Labeled the 'golden girl' of Australian athletics after setting two world records at the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne, Cuthbert now aged 70 was diagnosed with MS in her late thirties and since her diagnosis has devoted a vast amount of her time and energy to raising awareness about the disease.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony MS Cuthbert said, "As an athlete I enjoyed being in tune with the functioning of my body and this enabled me to run freely. When I was diagnosed with MS I lost this ability and initially felt as though a dark cloud had crossed my path on what was meant to be a sunny day.
"Over the years I have learnt that while MS is a very unpredictable disease there are things that can be done to manage its impact. I am delighted that a room in my name will be used to help people with MS have access to the vital services they need to help lift that dark cloud."
Mr Bill Younger CEO of MS Australia - ACT/NSW/VIC will thank Cuthbert for her commitment to helping MS Australia raise vital funds to both help people with MS live with the disease and fund research into finding a cure.
"Betty was diagnosed with MS in the 1970's at a time when it was largely unheard of in the general community. As a young woman who had achieved so many athletic milestones Betty's diagnosis reinforced that MS is a disease which typically affects young people who are at the prime of their lives" Mr Younger said.
"Since her diagnosis Betty's determined, unwavering spirit has offered inspiration to so many.
"While she is typically known for her world record achievements and gold medals on the running track, her work for people with MS has changed so many lives and helped to put the disease on the public agenda" he said.
The Betty Cuthbert Room has been custom built to accommodate for people with MS in the local area and will provide a space for people to learn more about the disease and how it can best be managed. The room will also be used for essential exercise and physiotherapy classes to help people with MS develop body strength.