MS Australia, Media Release, 23 April 2024

MS Australia has today announced Ms Rachel Kerr as the recipient of the 2023 John Studdy Award in recognition of her commitment, dedication and service to people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).  

Rachel was diagnosed with MS in 2006 at just 17 years of age, at a time when there was little support for people living with MS in regional Queensland.   

Since her diagnosis, Rachel has contributed tirelessly to the Queensland community, advocating for the rights and wellbeing of regional people living with MS. She has led numerous fundraising initiatives, ensuring vital services reach the MS community in remote areas of Central Queensland. Beyond fundraising, Rachel has been a relentless advocate for raising awareness of MS in young people, igniting conversations and dismantling stigmas surrounding the condition. 

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 (19.7.1929 – 16.4.2014) was the former Chairman of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Australia, the forerunner of MS Australia. He 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.  

Rachel has been an active ambassador for MS Queensland, fundraiser and advocate for people living with MS for over 13 years, featuring in countless local radio and TV interviews, speaking at numerous fundraising events and acting as a keynote speaker at education and awareness information sessions where she shares her story to support various MS awareness campaigns.   

MS Australia President, Associate Professor Des Graham, who lives with MS, says Ms Kerr has improved the lives of countless people living with MS.  

“Rachel’s passion and tireless dedication serves as an inspiration to us all and it’s my very great honour, on behalf of the Board of MS Australia, to name Rachel as the recipient of the 2023 John Studdy Award.  

“Rachel is hard working, humble and dedicated in her work which has resulted in making a remarkable difference for many people living with MS and giving a voice to regional communities across Queensland,” Associate Professor Graham said.  

Award recipient Ms Kerr has a passion for volunteering, particularly throughout the Queensland community.  

“Living with MS has taught me resilience and has given me strength to help others in communities across Queensland.  

“Volunteering has enabled me to turn my MS into an asset, and I am very humbled to accept this award and to be recognised by one’s peers.”  

Mr Shaun Treacy, Chair of MS Queensland and MS Australia Board Member, congratulated Ms Kerr, noting that there are many worthy Australians working to find a cure for MS.  

“Rachel is a fine example of a hardworking, humble and dedicated person whose work has resulted in making a remarkable difference for many people living with MS and she has given a voice to regional communities across Queensland,” Mr Treacy said.  

Ms Kerr’s significant contribution and outstanding, consistent service has made a substantial difference to people living with MS. Some of her many voluntary contributions are listed below.  

• In 2012, helped create the first Central Queensland MS Swimathon in her hometown of Rockhampton. This event is now in its eleventh year and has raised over $220,000 for the region with Rachel personally raising almost $45,000.  
• In 2015, started a Young People with MS Rockhampton Support Group.   
• In 2016, created a Facebook group that she still manages today, encouraging people to connect and discuss local services and their NDIS experiences.  
• Built a partnership with CQ University to host the Central Queensland MS Swimathon, identifying sponsors each year, raising awareness of the event with local community groups, and contributing to the organisation of the day to ensure the long-term viability of this event.  
• Started up a local MS Moonlight Walk event, along with her husband Shannon and with her two children, has raised awareness and inspired others to take part in the MS Readathon.   
• Travelled to Brisbane to take part and support MS Brissie to the Bay, Moonlight Walk and World MS Day events. She has raised over $7,000 for these events.   
• Worked with the local Support Coordinator at CQ University to promote a ‘Living well with MS’ 6-week program for newly diagnosed people which started in Rockhampton and has since grown to be offered statewide providing countless people with support and connection through their early stages of diagnoses.   

The John Studdy Award will be presented to Ms Kerr in a private event at MS Queensland’s Brisbane office on 23 April 2024.