Kings Birthday Awards
Jo-ann Morris and Michael Morris from North Richmond have both been awarded OAMs for service to the community through their work through the Samuel Morris Foundation.
The couple established the Foundation in 2007, the year after their two year old son drowned in a back yard pool and sustained catastrophic injuries.
They said they were “incredibly humbled” that someone took the time to nominate them.
“It’s been a deeply reflective moment filled with mixed emotions about celebrating our work because of being so emotionally attached to the tragedy of Samuel’s accident and the challenges he and our family face.
“At its heart, this Kings award is not just about one person or one couple. It is about the many remarkable people who have supported our work and shared in the belief that asking difficult questions and challenging the status quo are essential to driving meaningful change.
It’s about a community of people who have believed in the power of questions and the need for constant improvement, who stand up and say, “We can do better,” and then work tirelessly to make that a reality. We are lucky to have met so many of them as part of our work.”
The couple said that Michael’s colleagues and friends at Fire and Rescue NSW rallied around them to give the parents of three the strength and support they needed in the weeks and months after Samuel’s non-fatal drowning.
It was when they tried to connect with other people in similar circumstances that they realised there was nowhere to connect.
“We also realised that not everyone had the benefit of the support we were shown,” said Jo-ann.
“We were faced with trying to figure out a way to both highlight the real tragedy and hidden impacts of non-fatal drowning, while trying to create a support network for families like us.
The couple’s work through Samuel Morris Foundation, Royal Life Saving Society and health care consumer advocacy via the Sydney Childrens Hospitals Network has connected them with thousands of people, delivering messages on safety.
“We are incredibly grateful that we have been able to honour Samuel’s all too short and difficult life, and that his story and his life has had such a significant impact on so many people.”
Sadly Samuel passed away at the age of 10.
Royal Life Saving Australia congratulated the couple saying they were powerful advocates for children with disabilities and families impacted by non-fatal drowning.
“Their impact has been far-reaching across the charitable, health and water safety sectors. Through their work with Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Jo-ann and Michael have been instrumental in bringing lived experience into policy development, consumer engagement, and the shift towards value-based care. They have served on state and national committees, contributed to global health outcome frameworks, and helped shape more inclusive and responsive health systems.”
“Their work has informed the Australian Water Safety Strategy, contributed to strengthened pool safety laws, and inspired change at many levels. Internationally, Samuel’s story helped to prompt the World Health Organisation to increase science and advocacy directed at non-fatal drowning, and the United Nations Resolution on drowning recognises the wider impacts on families.”
