Some of Australia’s leading disability advocates and spinal cord researchers were recognised for their exemplary contributions in the recent 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Included in this year’s Honours List were Spinal Life member Dr John MacPherson and Perry Cross, who both received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award, and Professor Perry Bartlett who received an Office of the Order of Australia (OM) award.
Dr MacPherson was recognised for his significant service to people with a disability in his many roles, including Brisbane City Council’s Access and Inclusion Officer and the founding life member of the Queenslanders with a Disability Network.
Mr Cross received the award for his work leading the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation, which supports research towards a cure for paralysis, as well as being an outstanding role model as someone with lived experience in spinal cord injury.
Professor Bartlett, Director of the Queensland Brain Institute, was recognised for his innovative neuroscience research and for his services to people living with dementia, motor neurone disease and spinal cord injury.
Spinal Life CEO Mark Townend congratulated all the recipients for their contributions towards making Australia a better place for people with spinal cord damage.
“All three awards are very well deserved, and it is excellent to see contributions to spinal cord damage research and disability advocacy recognised on such a national level,” Mr Townend said.
“Spinal Life has had the pleasure of working with Dr MacPherson, Mr Cross and Professor Bartlett on a number of projects and collaborations in the past and both their achievements and attitude towards disability are held in very high regard by our organisation.
“As two of the winners have their own lived experience with spinal cord damage, this is another great example to the rest of Australia at how people with spinal cord damage continue to excel and make a positive impact on their communities and the people who know them.”
The Queen’s Birthday Honours List was announced on 8 June and recognises Australians who have made outstanding contributions to their community, to Australia, or globally.
For the full list of winners, click here.