From Australian of the Year to Patron, MS Research Australia

Simon McKeon-Patron of MS Research Australia

Simon McKeon, the 2011 Australian of the Year - has now accepted the position as a Patron of MS Research Australia (MSRA). He has recently retired as a Director and was Founding Chairman from 2004 to 2010. Simon is also a Life Governor of MSRA and in 2010 was the recipient of MS Australia's John Studdy Award – for outstanding service to people with MS.

Mr McKeon, who is the Executive Chairman of Macquarie Bank's Melbourne office has also been Chairman of the CSIRO since mid-2010.

'We are naturally delighted that Simon is still keen to assist MSRA – having been a great ambassador for not only the MS cause but also for philanthropy during his time as Australian of the Year. Simon has previously guided MSRA to its position as Australia's peak body for MS research. He will now inspire us to new heights in his role as Patron,’ said MSRA CEO, Jeremy Wright.

Mr McKeon's many other humanitarian and philanthropic activities include being a Director of World Vision for 15 years, a director of the Global Poverty Project and working directly with heroin addicts and remote indigenous communities.