This year’s recipient of the Rodney Syme medal is Ian Wood. The Rodney Syme Medal recognises distinguished effort in pursuit of the Dying with Dignity cause.
Ian has worked tirelessly for many decades for the right of an individual to access a humane and dignified death and is renowned for being a gentleman, an individual of an unassuming nature, and an incredibly fearless advocate of end-of-life rights.
Ian and fellow Christian, Reverend Trevor Bensch established a group of Christians, with the purpose of providing support for, what was then referred to as VE. The group is now known as Christians Supporting Choice for VAD.
Since Rev Bensch’s death in 2019, Ian has maintained his position as National Coordinator.
The group works collaboratively with the other DWD organizations around Australia and has brought to the forefront the strong public support amongst more enlightened and thinking Christians for the legal right to make end of life decisions. The organization has most admirably critically countered much misinformation put forward by the omnipresent religious opposition. We thank Ian for everything he has done for those seeking a humane and compassionate death. He continues to fulfill a unique role leading a Christian group supporting VAD!