By
CPOMED Matt Keogh
The
Medical School at HMAS Cerberus (MS-C) has been awarded the coveted
Silver Spade Award for 2003.
The award goes to the area or unit who has undertaken the most
enterprising or innovative way of raising money for the Defence
Special Needs Support Group DSNSG).
It was presented during an official dinner at the Australian Defence
College, Canberra.
The DSNSG is the only Australian charity dedicated to providing
support, information and assistance to Australian Defence Force
families who have a family member with special needs.
Late last year, the staff of MS-C braved wet and cold conditions
to undertake a 24 hour run and walk around the Cerberus hockey
field. A total of 585 laps (164km) were completed and about $3500
was raised.
The Silver Spade Award was presented by the DSNSG National Coordinator,
Margaret Fisk OAM. Also in attendance were the DSNSG patrons,
Mal Brough, the Minister Assisting the Defence Minister and Mrs
Lynne Cosgrove, representing her husband, CDF General Peter Cosgrove.
LCDR David Lassam, the OIC MS-C, gratefully received the award,
on behalf of the 16 staff members who took part in the run.
He said it was important that ADF members recognised the “fantastic”
work of the DSNSG and the wonderful things it has achieved for
the ADF community.
LCDR Lassam also presented a cheque for $500 to the Medical School
raised during a recent video sale.
