Tuesday, 7 July 2009
2009 Australian Human Rights Medal and Award nominations now open
President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Cathy Branson QC, has today officially opened Australia’s premier event in honour of individuals and organisations who have made outstanding efforts to protect human rights in Australia by calling for nominations for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards.
“The annual Human Rights Medal and Awards event is the highlight of the human rights calendar,” President Branson said.
“It’s the time of year when we recognise and applaud the outstanding efforts people are making around Australia every day to improve equality and protect the human rights of others.
“I am full of admiration for the tirelessness and persistence I have seen in individuals and organisations who strive to make Australia a better and fairer place for everyone.
“In this, the 22nd year of this prestigious event, it is my great pleasure to urge individuals and organisations to nominate themselves or others for these awards,” Ms Branson said.
Nominations are being called for the Human Rights Medal and Young People’s Human Rights Medal and seven award categories: Law, Community (Organisation), Community (Individual), Literature (non-fiction), Print Media, Television and Radio.
“The awards aim to recognise outstanding contributions made within communities or through the practice of law, through writing books about human rights issues or through the media,” Ms Branson said.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has a web-section containing all the information about the 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards, including Award categories, how to enter, judging criteria, previous winners and how to buy a ticket to the awards ceremony.
There’s also a section for media, with the latest news releases, and information about the sponsors for this year’s Award ceremony which are: LexisNexis; the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship; the Law Council of Australia; iHR Australia; Trophyland; and, The Co-op Bookshop.
Nominations close at close of business on Friday, 2 October, 2009. Winners will be presented with their Medals and Awards at a gala luncheon ceremony to be held on Human Rights Day, Thursday 10 December 2009 at the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney.
Nomination forms/ information: www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards
Ph: 02 9284 9618 or hrawards@humanrights.gov.au
Tickets to awards: Ph: 02 9284 9618 or hrawards@humanrights.gov.au
$70 or $45 concession Includes two course luncheon, drinks and entertainment
Mailing list for updates: Subscribe at www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards/index.html
Media contact: Louise McDermott 02 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
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