Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Calling all lawyers – nominate for the Australian Human Rights Awards
President of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Cathy Branson QC, is calling for nominations from the legal profession 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.
“In this, the 22nd year of this prestigious event, it is my great pleasure to urge individuals and organisations from the legal sector to nominate themselves or others for this year’s Law Award, sponsored by the Law Council of Australia,” Ms Branson said.
Winner of the 2008 Law Award was Bill Mitchell, principal solicitor of Townsville Community Legal Centre, in recognition of his work in promotion and advancement of human rights through the practice of law.
“The Award was unexpected and made me feel very proud about the work of community legal centres across Australia,” Mr Mitchell said.
Nominations are also being called for the Human Rights Medal and Young People’s Human Rights Medal and the six other award categories: Community (Organisation), Community (Individual), Literature (non-fiction), Print Media, Television and Radio.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has a web-section, www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards,
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 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.
Please see the video message from Commission President, Cathy Branson, at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HNEZpSClp8
Tickets to awards: Ph: 02 9284 9618 or hrawards@humanrights.gov.au
$70 or $45 concession, includes two course luncheon, drinks and entertainment.
Media contact: Louise McDermott 02 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
Sponsors
