Hosted by Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation
in conjunction with partners
Registrations now open

Friday 23 October 2026, Melbourne

A free day for people living with Becker muscular dystrophy, their families, clinicians and researchers — to learn, connect and engage with the wider Becker community. The first time BEED has been held in Australasia.

A free day for the Becker community — expert talks, the latest research, and people who understand the journey.

About BEEDEvent AgendaFAQsRegister Now

About BEED

Becker Education and Engagement Day (BEED) is a free, dedicated event bringing together individuals living with Becker muscular dystrophy, their families, clinicians, researchers and advocacy organisations to learn, connect and engage with the wider Becker community.

We are proud to announce that BEED will be held in Australasia for the very first time on Friday, 23 October 2026. This important event is proudly hosted by Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation and has been developed specifically for the Becker community.

BEED will provide an opportunity to hear from leading experts, learn about the latest developments in Becker muscular dystrophy, connect with others who understand the journey, and build meaningful relationships within the community.

We are incredibly proud to bring the Becker community together for this important and meaningful day, and we look forward to welcoming families, individuals, clinicians, researchers and advocates from across Australasia.

Agenda

  1. Morning
  2. 9:00amto 9:10am
    Welcome and introductions
    Speaker TBC
  3. 9:10amto 9:30am
    Inspirational speaker
    Speaker TBC
  4. 9:30amto 10:00am
    All about BMD: an overview of natural history and approaches to care
    Dr Eppie Yiu
  5. 10:00amto 10:30am
    Genetics, family planning, and how conversations with families change over time
    Miriam Rodrigues
  6. 10:30amto 11:00am
    Cardiac care
    Speaker TBC
  7. 11:00amto 11:30am
    Morning tea
  8. 11:30amto 12:00pm
    Physiotherapy considerations
    Michelle Liddicut
  9. 12:00pmto 12:30pm
    The role of exercise and nutritional interventions on the pathophysiology of Becker muscular dystrophy
    Prof Gordon Lynch & Dr Kristy Swiderski
  10. 12:30pmto 1:00pm
    Current research landscape in Australia and New Zealand
    Dr Gayatri Jain
  11. 1:00pmto 2:00pm
    Lunch
  12. Afternoon
  13. 2:00pmto 3:00pm
    Walks of Life: a panel session with individuals living with BMD — Session 1
    Facilitated by Dr Kate Irving & Daniella Villano
  14. 3:00pmto 3:15pm
    Afternoon tea
  15. 3:15pmto 4:00pm
    Walks of Life: a panel session with individuals living with BMD — Session 2
    Facilitated by Dr Kate Irving & Daniella Villano
  16. Evening
  17. 6:00pmto 8:00pm
    Dinner
    The Farmacy Restaurant and Bar, The Larwill Hotel

Draft programme — sessions and speakers may change before the day.

Speakers

EY
Dr Eppie Yiu
Pediatric Neurologist & Lead, Neuromuscular Clinic
Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne · Hon. Fellow, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
MR
Miriam Rodrigues
Genetic Counsellor & Neurogenetic Research Lead
Te Whatu Ora | Te Toka Tumai Auckland, NZ · University of Auckland
ML
Michelle Liddicut
Physiotherapist
St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne
GL
Prof Gordon Lynch
Director, Centre for Muscle Research
University of Melbourne
KS
Dr Kristy Swiderski
Research / Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Muscle Research
University of Melbourne, Dept of Anatomy & Physiology
GJ
Dr Gayatri Jain
Director of Neurophysiology
St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne · Neurology Victoria, East Melbourne
KI
Dr Kate Irving
Pediatric Neurologist
Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne · Victorian Children's Clinic
DV
Daniella Villano
Neuromuscular Nurse Consultant
Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne
TH
Tim Harte
PhD Researcher, Institute for Frontier Materials
Deakin University

Where

The Larwill Studio Melbourne – Art Series
48 Flemington Road, Parkville VIC 3052
Get directions

BEED runs 9:00am – 4:00pm. Dinner 6:00pm – 8:00pm at The Farmacy Restaurant and Bar, The Larwill Hotel.

Register Now

Secure your place at Australasia's first Becker Education and Engagement Day.

  • Friday 23 October 2026, 9:00am – 4:00pm
  • Dinner 6:00pm – 8:00pm, The Farmacy Restaurant and Bar
  • The Larwill Studio, Parkville VIC
  • Free to attend

Each person planning to attend BEED must be registered individually — including family members and carers.

What you'll be asked
  • Your name and contact details
  • Who you're registering — yourself, family members or a support person
  • Dietary and access requirements
  • Whether you'd like to join the evening social event

Takes about 5 minutes

Register Now

FAQs

What is BEED?

Becker Education and Engagement Day (BEED) is a free, dedicated event bringing together individuals living with Becker muscular dystrophy, their families, clinicians, researchers and advocacy organisations to learn, connect and engage with the wider Becker community.

We are proud to announce that BEED will be held in Australasia for the very first time on Friday, 23 October 2026.

This important event is proudly hosted by Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation in conjunction with regional clinical and neuromuscular partner organisations, helping to make this an information-packed day, and has been developed specifically for the Becker community.

BEED will provide an opportunity to hear from leading experts, learn about the latest developments in Becker muscular dystrophy, connect with others who understand the journey, and build meaningful relationships within the community.

We are incredibly proud to bring the Becker community together for this important and meaningful day, and we look forward to welcoming families, individuals, clinicians, researchers and advocates from across Australasia.

When is the event being held?

Friday 23 October 2026.

Where is the event being held?

Melbourne, Victoria
The Larwill Studio Melbourne – Art Series
48 Flemington Road
Parkville VIC 3052
Australia

How long will the event go for?

The event will start at 9am and finish at 4pm, with a community dinner to follow from 6pm – 8pm.

Can kids attend the event?

No, this event is 16+ only.

Is BEED free to attend?

Yes. BEED is free for individuals living with Becker muscular dystrophy, their families and carers, clinicians, researchers and advocacy organisations. Registration is required.

What will be provided during the event?

Food and refreshments will be provided throughout the event, including breakfast, lunch and snacks during the day.

Dietary requirements will be collected during registration, and we will do our best to accommodate individual needs.

A Community Dinner will also be held on Friday evening, providing attendees, families, clinicians and members of the Becker community with an opportunity to connect and spend time together in a relaxed and informal setting. There will be no formal presentations during the Community Dinner.

Is hotel accommodation available?

Hotel accommodation at the event venue may be available for attendees who require overnight lodging support.

Subject to availability, one hotel room for up to two nights may be provided per registered party.

Accommodation requests will be collected during registration, and confirmation of hotel arrangements will be provided closer to the event.

Is travel assistance available?

Eligible attendees may request travel assistance when completing their registration.

Additional travel assistance beyond hotel accommodation may be requested. Eligible Becker attendees and their support person will be approved for a partial travel bursary (contribution) of up to AUD $500 for travelling to attend BEED.

Approved travel assistance is provided through a reimbursement process. Attendees are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and covering approved expenses upfront.

Only attendees who have received prior approval for travel assistance and who attend BEED will be eligible for reimbursement. Further information regarding the reimbursement process will be provided to approved recipients prior to the event.

Does everyone attending need to register?

Yes. All individuals attending BEED must be registered, including family members and caregivers.

If you would like to add additional family members or caregivers to your registration, you can do so using the Additional Party Member Form.

Proud Partners

Proud partners: Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation, MDNSW, Muscular Dystrophy Australia, Neuromuscular WA, The Royal Children's Hospital, St Vincent's