A new scholarship aimed at building leadership and management capacity in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, pays tribute to one of the sector’s leading lights, Professor Ian Webster.

The Ian Webster Scholarship program recognises Professor Webster’s contributions to FARE over the last 10 years, as well as the exceptional leadership he continues to demonstrate in his work throughout the not-for-profit sector and in his various advisory roles to government.

The Scholarship will be awarded each year to an applicant who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the AOD sector and will provide $10,000 towards a program of study, independently-led research or personal development opportunities.

Professor Webster was the FARE Board’s inaugural Chair from 2001 until 2009 and continued as a board member until 2011. Currently a Consultant Physician in the Shoalhaven area, Emeritus Professor of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales, and Chief Patron of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia.

FARE Chief Executive, Michael Thorn, says the new scholarship is a wonderful opportunity to recognise Professor Webster.

“Few, if any, have made such a valuable contribution to the sector.  Professor Webster’s passion, leadership and dedication to his work exemplify the values we seek to promote and foster. It is most fitting that the Ian Webster Scholarship will provide individuals with the opportunity to develop their own ability to become a successful leader in the sector,” Mr Thorn said.

Professor Webster’s previous research and publications have covered preventive medicine, medical practice, ageing, disability, homelessness, alcohol and other drug problems, suicide prevention and social issues in health.

He has also chaired a number of Commonwealth and State Government inquiries and reviews in disability, health, mental health and alcohol and other drug problems.

Among his other honours, Professor Webster received the Prime Minister’s Award at the 2009 Drug and Alcohol Awards, became a Life Fellow with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (2006), was named Life Governor of the Community Health and Tuberculosis Australia (2003), is a Life Member of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (2002) and was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in 1995.

At the launch of the Scholarship, Professor Webster said he was honoured by the creation of the scholarship, and applauded FARE’s on-going commitment to ensuring the sector remains robust into the future.

“The complex challenges we face today from the use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs are on-going. While the new scholarship is a great personal honour, more importantly, it is a valuable opportunity to encourage the growth and development of the people who will face these challenges and lead the alcohol and drug sector into the future,” Professor Webster said.

Applications opened Friday 18 May 2012 and will close at 5.00pm Saturday 30 June 2012. Further information including application forms and full terms and conditions are available online at http://www.fare.org.au/community/ian-webster-scholarship/.