1992 Human Rights Medal and Awards Winners
The presentation of the 1992 Human Rights Medal and Awards was held at the Powerhouse Museum on 22 November 1992. Over 300 people attended the ceremony. Sir Ronald Wilson, the Master of Ceremonies, introduced the Minister for Consumer Affairs Jeanette McHugh, who was representing the Attorney General. The Literature and Other Writing Awards were presented by Stepan Kerkyasharian, the TV and Radio Documentary and Current Affairs Awards by Jaslyn Hall. Dame Margaret Guilfoyle presented the Print and Corporate Awards, and John Morris the Songwriting and Film Awards.
human rights medal
Winner: Eddie Mabo (deceased) Rev Dave Passi, Sam Passi (deceased) James Rice, Celuia Mapo Salee (deceased) and Barbara Hocking
The winners of the Human Rights Medal were five Murray Islanders who mounted the historic Mabo case before the High Court.
The Murray Islanders were awarded the medal in recognition of their long and determined battle to gain justice for their people. Barbara Hocking was awarded the Medal in recognition of her contribution to the Mabo case and for her work over many years to gain legal recognition for indigenous people's rights.
non - fiction award
Winner: Katherine's Dairy - Katherine Cummings.
A painful and honest account of the life of a transsexual growing up in Australia.
children's fiction award
Winner: The Wolf - Margaret Barbalet and Jane Tanner
Picture story book about families and the fears that can threaten the young or the old.
poetry award
Winner: From the Republic of Conscience - Kerry Flattley and Chris Wallace-Crabbe
International anthology dealing with human rights issues.
drama award
Winner: Highest Mountain, Fastest River - Salamanca Theatre Company and Donna Abela, Writer
A play for children about the escape of the Hmong Hill people from the Vietnamese invasion of Laos and their eventual settlement in Tasmania.
songwriting award
Winner: Do You Blame Yourself - Donna Reynolds
A song dealing with domestic violence against women.
feature film award
Winner: Day of the Dog - David Rapsey, Producer and James Ricketson, Writer/Director
Tells the story of a group of Nyoongars (aboriginal people from the Perth area) from inside their world. Starring John Moore and David Ngoombujaroo.
documentary film award
Winner: Maria - Barbara Chobocky, Director/ Writer/Producer
A widely acclaimed personal biography set in Australia and Czechoslovakia
metropolitan newspapers award
Winner: Margo Kingston - The Age
For a body of work which has consistently and effectively promoted human rights as a mainstream political issue.
magazines award
Winner: Lust for Life - Mark Mordue - Rolling Stone
An article portraying the lives of people living with discrimination and ignorance surrounding AIDS.
television documentary award
Winner: Cop it Sweet - Jenny Brockie, Producer Director - ABC TV
Controversial documentary about police in Redfern in Sydney's inner city
radio documentary awards - joint winners
Winner: Tribute to Louise Johnson - Janelle Green & Adrian Shaw, West Australian Aboriginal Media Association
The story of the death of 19 year old aboriginal youth Louis Johnson in January 1992.
Winner: Exactly Howard - Background Briefing, ABC Radio National - Elizabeth Jackson, Producer
Examines the politics behind the controversial new juvenile justice laws in Western Australia
tv drama award
Winner: GP - ABC TV - Bruce Best, Producer
For the consistent and valuable contribution made by this series to human rights issues.
corporate award
Winner: LINK Disability Journal - South Australian Branch of Disabled People's International (DPI)
The 1992 Corporate Award was given to a community organisation's journal which provides a unique service to Australians with disabilities.
The LINK Disability Journal is published by the South Australian Branch of Disabled Peoples' International (DPI). Established in 1980, the Journal provides local news and information on resources and the latest technology for people with disabilities.