Territory advocates recognised at NT Human Rights Awards 2023

The fiercest advocates and campaigners of the NT have been named and recognised at the 2023 Human Rights Awards.

The Territory’s unsung heroes and advocates have been recognised for their commitment to building a better future for the NT.

The theme of this year’s International Human Rights Day was ‘dignity, justice, and freedom for all’.

The celebration of advocacy also marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

See the full list of award winners.

Lisa Mumbin OAM – Fitzgerald Diversity Award, individual winner

Lisa Mumbin OAM. Picture: Chloe Erlich.

As a tireless leader and advocate for women and children, Lisa Mumbin OAM has consistently campaigned for culturally-led First Nations programs and on Country support and wellbeing infrastructure.

Ms Mumbin founded Banatjarl Strongbala Wimun Grup and is a leader in the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation.

Ampere Anamtye-Akeme – Fitzgerald Diversity Award, organisational winner

The Ampere Anamtye-Akeme team provides a culturally responsive service to Alice Springs residents and offer outreach services to remote communities in Central Australia.

The team’s service launched in 1995 in a single room in the Alice Springs Hospital and has expanded to include a 10-bed unit within the hospital campus.

Sally Sievers – Fitzgerald Justice Award, individual winner

Former NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Sally Sievers. Picture: Therese Ritchie

Former NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Sally Sievers has worked hard to highlight and address injustices in the Territory.

Ms Sievers has inspired her community with her commitment, energy, and effectiveness throughout her extensive career in social justice.

Galiwinku Women’s Space Aboriginal Organisation – Fitzgerald Justice Award, organisational joint winner

For the past 10 years, the Galiwinku Women’s Space has been developing the Gurrutu framework.

The framework incorporates the Yolngu knowledge system and comes as part of their case management model for supporting victims of domestic, family, and sexual violence.

Northern Territory Lived Experience Network – Fitzgerald Justice Award, organisational joint winner

The NT Lived Experience Network focuses on providing a collective and independent voice for people with issues relating to mental distress, trauma, suicide, and addiction in the Territory.

The network is currently working on two projects, with a focus on recovery drugs and alcohol and gambling harm.

Jaiden McGregor and Conor Bowden – Fitzgerald Youth Award, individual winners

Jaiden McGregor and Conor Bowden engaged young Territorians with conversations about the Voice to parliament in the lead-up to the 2023 referendum.

The duo produced an array of educational content on social media – with support from the NTCOSS’ Youth Voice project – and contributed to public discourse in mainstream media outlets.

Rotary Club of Litchfield/Palmerston – Fitzgerald Youth Award, organisation winners

Rotary Club of Litchfield/Palmerston members prepare sandwiches for children at Humpty Doo Primary school. Picture: Supplied

The Rotary Club of Litchfield/Palmerston’s collaboration with Eat Up started in 2021 and has since delivered hundreds of sandwiches to students across 10 schools.

The organisations’ work helps ensure NT kids can learn, grow, and succeed in the future.

Anna Davis – Fitzgerald Social Change Award, individual winner

With a long history of championing women’s rights, Anna Davis has held multiple leadership positions in organisations such as the NT Working Women’s Centre for several years.

In the past six years, Ms Davis has been working in the Territory Families, Housing, and Communities Department where she has played an integral role shaping policies, programs, and practices relating to NT women and children.

No New Pokies in Mparntwe – Fitzgerald Social Change Award, organisational winner

Mparntwe residents came together in 2022 to oppose 60 new pokies across four businesses in Alice Springs.

Since then the volunteer group has raised awareness and campaigned against gambling in Central Australia.

The group also engaged the public in educational discussions regarding the impact of gambling on health and families, taking their campaign to multiple levels of government.