Friday, 2 October 2009
Nominations for Human Rights Medals and Awards extended by one week
Due to demand, the Australian Human Rights Commission is extending the deadline for nominations for this year’s Human Rights Medals and Awards by one week with the closing date now Friday, 9 October.
“The public holiday this coming weekend and a rush of requests for an extension have led us to extend the deadline by one week,” Australian Human Rights Commission President Cathy Branson QC, said today.
“I would encourage those actively involved in promoting or protecting human rights in Australia to take this opportunity to nominate themselves or others.
“The Medals and Awards have been presented to individuals and organisations since 1987 in recognition of those who strive to make Australia a fairer place for us all.
“I expect the calibre of effort this year will be just as high as previous years and look forward to what I know will be a challenging and inspirational judging process for all involved.”
Nominations will be accepted up until next Friday, (9 October) for the Human Rights Medal awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of human rights in Australia as well as for the Young People’s Human Rights Medal which is awarded to an individual under the age of 25 years (as of 3 July 2009) for their contribution to the promotion of human rights in Australia.
Ms Branson also called for nominations for the seven award categories of: Law, 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; Vibe Australia; and, The Co-op Bookshop.
Nominations now close on Friday, 9 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
