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John Studdy Award
History
In 1979 John Studdy, a prominent Sydney accounting firm partner and company director, was appointed Chairman of National Multiple Sclerosis Society Australia (NMSSA) and thus begun a long period of growth for the Society. John was requested to stand for the presidency by the then President of MS International, Jim Wolfensohn and Sir Louis Pyke. Wolfensohn was a US based Australian investment banker who subsequently went on to be President of the World Bank. John finally retired as Chairman in November 1997.
During the mid late 1970's period, NMSSA started a real focus on research with the formation of the National Multiple Sclerosis Research Foundation and a Medical Research Advisory Board (MRAB) which recommended the funding of MS research projects using a peer review process for each project.
In 1977, NMSSA established a Research Fund under the control of the national Society and a panel of researches. Six years later this became the National MS Research Foundation (NMSRF) and in 2004, MS Research Australia (MSRA).
One of NMSRF's early major projects was a nationwide MS epidemiological study conducted in 1984. This was the first study to show the increase in frequency of MS with increasing latitude in Australia, usually referred to as the MS Latitude gradient effect. It confirmed the gradient pattern found in the northern hemisphere also existed in the southern hemisphere.
After a year of discussion, in April 1999 NMSSA changed its name to Multiple Sclerosis Australia (MSA) as part of the modernising of the organisations image. A national magazine, MS Life, was launched in October the same year, bringing a consistent voice for people with MS across the country.
That year, the John Studdy Award was established to acknowledge Studdy's many contributions to the MS cause in Australia. This annual award, MSA's highest honour is given to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the MS movement in Australia.
2008 John Studdy Award Winner
Zona Tripp, OAM
Zona Tripp established the Dr Jeffrey Tripp Committee in 1977 to raise funds for the MS Society as a token of gratitude for the amazing support given by the organisation to Zona and her husband, the late Dr Jeffrey Tripp after his diagnosis of MS.
In 1988, Zona was instrumental in providing funding for the establishment of the hydrotherapy pool at the MS Studdy Centre Lidcombe, named in honour of her late husband.
Zona’s current fundraising focus is on providing appropriate accommodation for young people with MS who would otherwise reside in aged care nursing homes.
As the recipient of this years award, in this her 80th year, Zona celebrates 30 years of outstanding and tireless fundraising efforts for people with MS.
The presentation for Zona will be held on 30 November at the John Studdy Award Dinner at the The Hilton Melbourne Airport.
Criteria for Award
The John Studdy Award is the Society's most prestigious Award, given annually to an individual, in recognition of outstanding consistent and selfless provision of meritorious service to people with MS, at either National or State level, preferable over a period in excess of ten years or other factors in the consideration of the committee. The standard of the service is such that "the individual has made, or is making, a tangible difference" for the benefit of people with MS and/or their families.
Presentation of the Award
The award will be presented by the President of MS Australia, at the Annual General Meeting or an appropriate National event.
Calling for Nominations
Nominations will be called by the Manager Administration of MS Australia and will close by 31st August of each year. Presidents, Board Members, CEO's, members of Societies and the community will be asked to nominate suitable candidates.
Individuals may be nominated by a member of MS Australia or the community. Nominations should include full written details of the scope of the service giving reasons for nomination plus three referees, or supporting documentation.
Assessment of Nominations
Nominations will be considered by an Awards Committee consisting of three Directors of MS Australia who will assess the nominations and recommend a recipient to the Board. If no suitable nominations are received, no Award is given.
