Healthcare innovator Professor Adam Scott awarded Peter Norman Award for Humanitarian Contributions

Queensland Australian of the Year nominee, Professor Adam Scott has been named as the 2024 recipient of the Peter Norman Humanitarian Award, recognised for his transformative work and passionate advocacy in mental health.

From pioneering telemedicine for cardiovascular care, to breaking down barriers around mental health support, Scott now stands in the same spirit of equality and justice that Peter Norman embodied.

The Peter Norman Humanitarian Award, inaugurated by Athletics Australia in 2018 and presented each year on Peter Norman Day (October 9) honours members of the Australian athletics community who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to human rights, equality, and humanitarian causes.  Previous recipients include Australian Olympians Eloise Wellings, Rob de Castella and Peter Bol.

Inspired by Norman's historic stand at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he wore the badge of the Olympic Project for Human Rights in solidarity with Tommie Smith and John Carlos, the award celebrates those who embody the courage and compassion that Norman is remembered for.

As the director of cardiac sciences at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Scott saw a critical need: the rising tide of cardiovascular disease among rural Australians, compounded by long wait times and limited access to specialised care. In response, he launched the Cardiovascular Telemedicine Program in 2017 - a groundbreaking initiative that leveraged remote-control technology to bridge the gap in cardiac health for those most in need. His innovation has been a lifeline for countless Australians who would otherwise face long, often dangerous delays in receiving care.

But Scott’s reach extends beyond physical health. In 2011, he founded the White Cloud Foundation, a mental health charity that breaks down barriers to treatment for anxiety and depression. From his personal belief that mental well-being is inseparable from overall health, Scott developed the Tele-Mental Health service, offering free, multi-disciplinary care to Queenslanders.

“Peter Norman was not just a champion athlete, but a champion human. What he was able to do for humanitarian causes was just immense, so for us to be able to walk in his shadow and be able to support our communities and be part of his legacy to continue changing, supporting and growing is just a massive honour,” Scott said.

“I’ve always been curious about solving problems, especially in healthcare where there are so many things broken. My motivation comes from knowing that with the right solutions, we can make a real difference in people’s lives, particularly those who don’t have easy access to care.

“For me, it’s always been about creating access – whether it’s through cardiovascular work or mental health – removing barriers, so that no matter where you live or what you face, you can get the care you need. Everyone deserves the right to health – both physical and mental.”

Scott’s tele-mental health service, in partnership with 16 national sporting associations, has supported thousands of Australians—much like the athletes who push their limits for a greater cause.

The White Cloud Foundation has also gone one step further within the Australian athletics community, partnering with Queensland Athletics to provide staff, athletes, volunteers, officials, coaches and family and friends with free access to his program.

“Sport is a great way to connect with people. It’s about more than the individual – it’s the community, the teammates, the social connection and that support system,” he said.

“We partnered with sporting associations like Athletics, to offer our services to everyone—staff, administrators, coaches, players, their families, and even the butcher who provides the meat tray for the raffle. It's about wrapping support around entire communities.”

Athletics Australia President Jane Flemming expressed her admiration for Scott’s work, highlighting the significance of his contributions.

“We are incredibly proud to recognise Adam Scott with the Peter Norman Humanitarian Award. His innovative work in healthcare and mental health has made a profound impact,” Flemming said.

“Adam’s dedication to breaking down barriers and ensuring that all Australians have access to life-saving care reflects the very values that Peter Norman stood for. We are fortunate to have someone so accomplished and forward-thinking as part of our athletics community. His work continues to inspire us all.”

In support of Scott’s humanitarian pursuits, Athletics Australia will make a donation to the White Cloud Foundation. To donate or to learn more about the White Cloud Foundation, visit www.whitecloudfoundation.org 

By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted 9/10/2024