Introduction

David Prast Achievement Award launched

David Prast Achievement Award launched

In partnership with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA), we are excited to announce the launch of The David Prast Achievement Award. In memory of the very remarkable Mr David Prast, the Award celebrates his dedication and pursuit of excellence and innovation in the area of spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

The award is designed to support a significant professional development opportunity for clinicians at NeuroMoves exercise therapy centres—Australian research on this program was originally funded by SpinalCure and SCIA. It aims to further the winning clinician’s skills to improve the outcomes for people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

The Award is worth up to $15,000 per annum and is an equal contribution from SCIA and SpinalCure.

David PrastDavid Prast led a remarkable life both before and after his spinal cord injury which occurred in a body surfing accident at Cottesloe Beach, Perth on 25 February 1995. He was just 29 years of age when he became a C5-6 complete quadriplegic. From this point, he dedicated his life to finding a cure for SCI.

David campaigned governments at all levels to shift more funding to SCI research. He was the instigator for the Western Australian Government to set up Australia’s first Neurotrauma Research Program, directing funds from traffic fines to be used for research to help those impacted by motor vehicle accidents resulting in SCI and brain injury.

He was also involved with other leading figures in SCI, in the establishment of the Spinal Cord Injury Network – which was tasked with forming clinical networks across SCI, stroke, and a range of other conditions and coordinating and promoting clinical trials. 

David was a director at SpinalCure from 1998 until his death in 2011.  In 2006 he joined the board of SCIA and was the driving force behind convincing the board to start the program ‘Walk On’ which is now known as NeuroMoves. 

This incredible award was launched on Wednesday 24 November 2021, with applications opening in December for an exceptional NeuroMoves clinician to enter, with the winner announced in February each year. 

With the fantastic connections that both organisations have, such as NeuRA who are conducting the SpinalCure-initiated eWALK trial, multiple universities throughout Australia, a large pool of incredible specialists in the field of neurological conditions, and even the Neuro-Recovery Network in the United States, this award will provide a NeuroMoves staff member the opportunity to participate in ground breaking research, advanced therapy programs or even to experience new therapy options, all for the betterment of individuals with a neurological condition.

For further information about The David Prast Award, please contact SCIA.

To learn more about David’s life, watch this video:

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