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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.
2009 John Studdy Award Winner(s)
Carol Cooke
In 1999/2000 Carol began looking at ways in which she could help others who were living with the challenges of MS and, along with a member of MS Victoria staff, created the concept of the 24 Hour Mega Swim.
Carol's concept for the 24 Hour Mega Swim was to use a volunteer base to reduce costs by engaging with local councils, businesses, Rotary Clubs and the like to have pool fees waived, prizes donated and food stations manned around the clock.
Over the 8 years that the 24 Hour Mega Swim has run, over $1.4 million has been raised with all funds being made available to PwMS through either "Go for Gold" Scholarships or through financial assistance programs.
In each participating State, twenty Go for Gold Scholarships, worth $3,000 each, are awarded annually with two scholarships awarded for $5,000. The scholarships are open to anyone with MS who has a "dream" they would like to follow in the areas of education, travel, employment, the arts, sport or "maximising your strength" exercise courses. Over 200 scholarships have been awarded through the program so far, all fully funded by Mega Swim.
Up until June 2008, the 24 Hour Mega Swim had been restricted to Victoria and SA due to the demands on Carol’s time. In June 2008 the 24 Hour Mega Swim was extended to NSW and in April 2009 extended to the ACT through support from the MSL Events Team. The inaugural NSW swim was held at the Sydney Olympic Pool, Homebush, and raised over $70,000 while the inaugural ACT swim was held at the AIS Pool and raised $50,000.
Carol is also an MS Ambassador who spends as much time as possible promoting MS Australia‘s work and speaking about MS and her journey.
David Barnes
David was first appointed to the Board of The MS Society of Western Australia in 1994.
His successful track record in commerce led to an early appointment as Chair of Fundraising. Under David's stewardship, the WA Society expanded its revenue base significantly resulting in an increase in member (client) services.
David's contribution has ranged from medium sized fundraising initiatives to major commercial projects. In 1996 David was appointed as Vice President of The MS Society of Western Australia and asked to take the President’s role in 2000, the position he currently holds.
In addition to his direct contribution to assist people with MS, David sat on the (WA Government) Disability Services Commission’s Strategic Planning Committee. As recognition of this and other work conducted for people with Multiple Sclerosis, David received an award from the WA Minister for Disabilities in 2007.
Under David's term as President, The MS Society of Western Australia has grown from strength to strength.
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.
