Bill Armstrong AO Human Rights Award – nominations are now open
In 2020, the Bill Armstrong AO Human Rights Award was presented to Mervyn Eades (left).
The Bill Armstrong AO Human Rights Award identifies and honours those who are doing outstanding work with First Nations people and communities, exemplifying self-determination in practice.
At Community First Development, we consider Bill Armstrong to be one of the greatest humanitarians of our time. With over 60 years’ of experience working in human rights, both within Australia and internationally, Bill has brought much knowledge and guidance to Community First Development’s work in First Nations communities. His influence is still greatly felt today.
Bill spent 20 years with our organisation before retiring in 2019. He spent 13 of those years as Co-Chair. With great respect for Bill, we created on his retirement the Bill Armstrong AO Human Rights Award to keep his legacy alive and strong while highlighting the great work of others.
We know there are amazing community leaders out there, like Bill, who lead the way and make the world a better place. Whether they are fighting for stronger health outcomes, education, reduced incarceration rates, or assisting the homeless, we want to shine a light on these extraordinary people. We want to celebrate their selfless dedication and commitment to making the world a better place.
The Bill Armstrong AO Human Rights Award celebrates those who are pushing through adversity and challenges to create positive outcomes in human rights.
Who can be nominated?
We invite you to nominate a Community First Development staff member, supporter, volunteer, or community member who has made an outstanding contribution to human rights in connection with the work of Community First Development.
Nominees may self-nominate or be nominated by a third party.
How to nominate:-
All nominations should be emailed to award@communityfirstdevelopment.org.au
Please include the following:
Name
Contact details
Connection to Community First Development (eg. staff, volunteer, community member, supporter etc.)
Maximum 250 words describing why the nominee should be considered for the Bill Armstrong Human Rights Award
Maximum 250 words bio (with a photo if possible).
Nominations are now open for this Award and close on COB Friday 17 of September 2021.
The winner will be announced on 25 of October 2021 and celebrated across Community First Development’s website and social media platforms, so make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay informed.
It is assumed by nominating, that the successful nominee provides permission for Community First Development to display their name and photo on the Community First Development’s website, social media, and publications. If you are nominating someone, please make sure you have consent to do so.
2020 Recipient
In October 2020, the Bill Armstrong AO Human Rights Award was presented to Mervyn Eades.
Nyoongar man, Mervyn Eades, is the CEO of the Ngalla Maya Aboriginal Corporation, the organisation he founded and developed to respond to the high rates of illiteracy, lack of educational qualifications and joblessness among former inmates.
Mervyn was also recognised with the 2016 Eddie Mabo Award for Social Justice at the National Indigenous Human Rights Awards. Ngalla Maya provides training, education and mentoring for former inmates. Ngalla Maya provides ongoing mentoring long after its graduates are employed.
Mervyn is leading the way for WA prison reform.