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At the 2006 DWDV Annual General Meeting, a member made the excellent suggestion that the Committee award a periodic Rodney Syme medal for distinguished contribution in the cause of dying with dignity.
The Committee unanimously supported this initiative and medals were commissioned and struck.
Terms of Reference
The terms of reference for awarding a Rodney Syme medal are:
1. |
It is intended to be awarded annually, although it can be more or less frequent at the Committee's discretion. |
2. |
It is awarded to a person who has made an outstanding, distinguished effort in pursuit of the Dying With Dignity cause. |
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Such outstanding, distinguished effort may be in the current year or it may be awarded for historical efforts in past years. |
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The person to whom the Medal is awarded need not be a member of DWDV but must be in complete accord with the aims of the society and with its Legislative Charter. |
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Honorary Life Membership of DWDV will accompany the award. |
6. |
The Award will be presented to the recipient(s) at the AGM each year. |
7. |
The decision to award the medal is to be made by a majority vote of the DWDV Committee in that year. |
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Dr Rodney Syme is immediate past president of Dying With Dignity Victoria. His boundless contribution to the cause, his widely recognised and deep compassion for the suffering, and service as President of the society for twelve years are ample reason to strike and present medals in his name.
While Dr Syme confesses he is a little embarassed that an award is named after him, it was the unanimous decision of the remainder of the society's Committee to recognise his contribution in this manner.
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2007 Recipients
Marshall Perron
Former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
Successfully introduced and shepharded the Rights of the Terminally Ill Act into law in the NT in 1996
Read Marshall Perron's speech
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Tim and Beryl Saclier
Founders of the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of Victoria
in 1974 (Now Dying With Dignity Victoria) and tireless campaigners for many years
Read Tim Saclier's speech
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the rodney syme medal for distinguished contribution