FIFTEEN years ago when Kalamunda resident Marcus Stafford became the head of Multiple Sclerosis WA (MSWA), the organisation had a tenuous and narrow funding base.
Since then, Marcus and his team have transformed it into one of the most successful not-for-profit organisations in the state.
When Mr Stafford took over the helm of MSWA, its revenues stood at $5 million a year and employed 170 staff.
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READ NOWToday it generates $52 million, employs 700 staff and last year delivered more than 630,000 hours of services to people with MS and other conditions.
On top of that, the organisation will this year invest $2.5 million into research to find the cause and cure for MS, more than twice the other states’ combined total.
In recognition of his significant services to people with a disability, and to community health, through support for those affected by multiple sclerosis, Mr Stafford has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division.
“As someone who grew up in north-east London, I never thought I’d travel half-way around the world and then get recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list,” he said.
“It’s a great honour to receive such a prestigious award.
“Having said that, it is a team effort and I’d like to thank the board of directors, management, staff and of course the people with neurological conditions who we are here to serve.”
MSWA president George Pampacos said Marcus was a deserving recipient of the Queen’s award.
“Due to his amazing work Marcus has improved the lives of people living with MS and other neurological conditions not only in WA but nationwide,” he said.
“He is a natural leader who has been able to rally and inspire the team at MSWA to achieve incredible things.”
As a result of its continued growth, MSWA has been able to extend its services to people with other neurological conditions, including stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Motor Neurone Disease and Acquired Brain Injury.
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