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Award for decades of selfless service to people living with MS

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Australia is honoured to announce Nigel Caswell as the recipient of the 2022 John Studdy Award in recognition of his commitment, dedication and service to people living with MS.

First awarded in 1999, MS Australia’s annual John Studdy Award recognises outstanding, consistent, and selfless meritorious service of 10 or more years, by someone making or who has made a tangible difference to the benefit of people living with multiple sclerosis and/or their families or carers.

The late John Studdy (former Chairman of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Australia, the forerunner of MS Australia) was a tireless advocate for the MS community and dedicated to advancing the wellbeing of people living with MS and the search for a cure. This award is for individuals who, like John Studdy, have made a significant contribution to the MS movement in Australia.

Nigel Caswell was diagnosed with MS in 1993. For the past two decades Mr Caswell has contributed tirelessly to the Victorian community and nationally in various volunteer roles.

MS Australia President, Associate Professor Des Graham says Mr Caswell has improved the lives of so many people living with MS.

“Nigel’s passion and dedication serves as an inspiration to all the people, including staff and volunteers that he works with, and it’s my very great honour, on behalf of the Board of MS Australia to name Nigel as the recipient of the 2022 John Studdy Award,” Associate Professor Graham said.

Nigel’s contribution and involvement spans his involvement in personal and group support, community education, and advocacy and awareness raising.

Together with his enormous contribution to the Victorian community, Associate Professor Graham also praised Nigel’s contribution as an MS Australia National Advocate.

“As one of MS Australia’s founding National MS Advocates, Nigel has played a vital role in ensuring that on the national stage, the voices of those living with MS, and their concerns and issues are heard by decision makers,” Associate Professor Graham said.

The John Studdy Award was presented at the Parliamentary Friends of MS 50th Anniversary Dinner at Parliament House, Canberra on 30 November 2022.

Accepting the Award, Mr Caswell spoke of his passion for volunteering.

“Volunteering is incredibly rewarding and helping others helps me to cope with having MS.

“Volunteering has enabled me to turn my MS, which some might see merely as a burden, into an asset, and to be recognised by one’s peers is the best reward possible.”

The 50th Anniversary Dinner was hosted by Parliamentary Friends of MS Co-Chairs, Senator Deborah O’Neill and Senator Wendy Askew, with guests including Patron of MS Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Federal Ministers, Senators and members of the MS community.

The dinner celebrated the achievement and commitment to the MS movement through the presentation of the MS Australia John Studdy Award 2022, together with 50 President Medals.

The 50 recipients of the MS Australia 50th Anniversary President Medals represent the diverse spectrum of the Australian MS community.

Recognised for their achievements and commitment, the youngest recipient is 10 years old and lives with MS. Other recipients include people who have helped MS Australia educate, raise awareness, advocate and lobby; thought leaders, politicians, subject matter experts and other MS champions, including those caring for people living with MS and others who happily talk about their MS, to help people understand the disease, challenge stereotypes and bust myths.

Associate Professor Des Graham, who lives with MS, congratulated everyone who has been involved with MS Australia over the past five decades, noting that there are many worthy Australians working to find a cure for MS.

“Our commitment remains to create a better future for people with MS, their families, carers and friends,” Associate Professor Des Graham said.

 

View the MS Australia 50 Years President’s Medal recipients



MEDIA CONTACTS: 

media@msaustralia.org.au or go to media enquiries.
Lisa Montague – 0412 002 544
Sarah Morrison – 0400 477 527

Pictured: MS Australia Board Director Sharlene Brown (left), Nigel Caswell and MS Australia Vice President, George Pampacos (right)

 

 

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Award for decades of selfless service to people living with MS