2019 NT Human Rights Awards: the Fitzgeralds
The NT Human Rights Awards ceremony, “the Fitzgeralds” (named after former NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Tony Fitzgerald) was held on 11 December 2019 at the Supreme Court in Darwin. CLANT is a proud supporter and sponsor of the Fitzgeralds.
The Fitzgerald Youth Award
Individual winner – Jubilee Weo, a young women working with young Yolngu people in Yirrkala to hold youth events on Friday nights, with food and activities. She co-ordinates and resources the intiative herself with the support of her family.
Organisation winner – Alice Springs Youth Accommodation & Support Service Inc, providing youth informed assistance to young people and children who are homeless or at risk in Alice Springs for 30 years.
The Fitzgerald Justice Award
Individual winner – Maxine Carlton, a senior Aboriginal woman, has held numerous leadership roles in Alice Springs and worked as Senior Client Services Officer for NAAJA and CAALAS for 16 years. Maxine is unrelenting in her pursuit of justice for Aboriginal people.
Organisation winner – Top End Women’s Legal Service, a community legal provider for women since 1996, developing accessible and innovative resources for women to remove barriers to justice.
Fitzgerald Social Change Award
Individual winner –Casey Bishop, long serving Safety and Wellbeing Program Manager at Kalano Community Association. Highly regarded by his teams for his leadership, clear communication and well managed programs for Aboriginal communities they serve.
Organisation winner – VarietyNT Starfish Swim group, providing one-on-one tailored swimming lesson for children with a disability since 2007. Also offering social networks and advocacy to the families of the children.
The Fitzgerald Diversity Award
Individual winner – Colleen Rosas, who pioneered the Aboriginal Languages interpreting sector in Australia, and worked with the Aboriginal Interpreter Service in NT from 1997 to 2018.
Organisation winner – City of Palmerston, for programs that celebrate culture in way that values diversity, including the successful youth festival, International Women’s Day events, Harmony and Migrant days, as well as community dinners and Drag Queen Storytime.
Further infromation about award recipients is available here.