MS Australia Deputy CEO Dr Julia Morahan with Belinda Bardsley

14 May 2026

Austin Health is proud to celebrate Belinda Bardsley, Manager of N-CRESS (Neuroimmunology Clinical Research, Education and Support Service), who has been named the recipient of MS Australia’s 2025 MS Advocacy Award.

The national award recognises Belinda’s outstanding contribution as a nurse, educator, researcher and advocate, and her tireless commitment to improving care and outcomes for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) over more than 17 years.

MS Australia Deputy CEO Dr Julia Morahan, stopped by Austin Health on Tuesday 12 May 2026 to present Belinda with her award. In announcing the win at the 2025 MS Research Conference, Julia touched on Belinda’s human approach to her work.

“What stands out most is Belinda’s warmth. She brings compassion into every interaction and offers reassurance at moments when it is most needed,” she said.

“Her advocacy is grounded in genuine care, and she empowers others through knowledge and kindness.”

A nationally recognised leader

Belinda was nominated by Dr Therese Burke AM, an internationally recognised MS nurse and research leader.

The MS Advocacy Award acknowledges Belinda’s leadership in championing equitable access to MS care, regardless of geography, and her strong advocacy for the value of specialist MS nursing. Her work has had a lasting impact not only on people living with MS and their families, but also on the healthcare professionals who support them.

A career shaped by curiosity and compassion

Belinda’s research journey began early in her career at Austin Health, following the completion of her Graduate Year and several years working as an Associate Charge Nurse on Ward 8A (Liver Transplant Unit).

Her first research role saw her working with Professor Geoffrey Donnan in the Department of Neurology, collecting epidemiological data on intracerebral haemorrhage.

“This was a great way of learning the art of developing instant rapport with people and an amazing first experience of research,” says Belinda who travelled across Victoria meeting participants in their homes and developing the communication and relationship-building skills that would become a hallmark of her career.

From there, Belinda progressed through study coordinator roles in stroke and migraine clinical trials at Austin Health, before moving into the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors and later managing the Cancer Clinical Trials Centre. In 2008, she joined N-CRESS, where she has now worked for 18 years in senior leadership and management roles.

Belinda Bardsley with members of the N-CRESS team

Driving change at a national and international level

Belinda is widely recognised for her role in advancing MS nursing through education, research and advocacy. She played a central role in development of the MS Nurse Report, which highlighted the critical importance of specialist MS nursing and helped drive national conversations about access to care.

She has also led international advocacy for MS nursing and established Australia’s first national preceptorship program for MS clinicians, supporting the development of the future MS workforce.

Colleagues across N-CRESS describe Belinda as a mentor, leader, cheerleader and unwavering advocate – someone whose compassion, clarity and kindness are felt every day by staff, patients and families. Team member K-J Lazarus, Immunotherapy – Continence Support Nurse, even goes as far as calling her a “game changer”.

“The endless passion and compassion she displays, in all she does working as a MS Nurse leader, both here in Australia and internationally, for both people living with MS, their families and significant persons, and health care professionals is outstanding,” says K-J.

Proud moment for Austin Health

The MS Australia Awards shine a spotlight on individuals who drive change, compassion and progress across the MS community. Belinda’s recognition – celebrated both locally and internationally – reflects the best of Austin Health’s commitment to research-led, compassionate care.

“I'm so fortunate to work in a role where I have the opportunity to mix together the three things I really enjoy: Overseeing our clinical trials, managing our amazing team and seeing patients in clinic,” says Belinda, who is a very humble winner.

“Most of all, I really enjoy being an MS Nurse and spending time with newly diagnosed patients who are grappling with an unpredictable and lifelong condition and benefit so much from early information, education, counselling and support,” she says.

“I still see people that I first met at the time they were diagnosed, 18 years ago. Such long term nurse-patient relationships are quite rare in the hospital setting and I feel very privileged to be in this role.”