AWARDS RECOGNISE JOURNALISTIC CONTRIBUTION TO HUMANITARIAN ISSUES

Friday, 24 October 2008
Some of Australia’s finest journalists have been recognised for their commitment to international affairs, humanitarian issues and social justice.
Children and Early Childhood Development and Women’s Affairs Minister Maxine Morand recognised Australia’s award winning journalists at the United Nations Association of Australia Media Peace Awards tonight.

“Winners include some of Australia’s very finest print, radio and television journalists, including from here in Victoria,’’ Ms Morand said.
 
“Their work covers a diversity of issues including the stolen children, strife-torn Zimbabwe and violence against women.

“National and international issues have been covered with passion and professionalism by journalists who have brought these stories into the lives and the lounge rooms of Australians everywhere.’’

Ms Morand presented four awards, including two special category awards – Increasing Awareness and Understanding of Children’s Rights and Issues and Increasing Awareness and Understanding of Womens Rights and Issues – at the UNAA Media Peace Awards 30th Anniversary Dinner.

Ms Morand said the Brumby Government was pleased to be able to sponsor the Awareness and Understanding of Women’s Rights and Issue Award and the Increasing Awareness and Understanding of Children’s Rights and Issues award. 

 “The stories are not only examples of some of Australia’s best journalistic works but also designed to provoke greater thought, understanding and hopefully action in humanitarian affairs.

Ms Morand congratulated the award winners and the 44 finalists and also the United Nations Association of Australia for raising the consciousness of Australians on these undeniably important issues.

Winner of the Office of Women’s Policy Increasing Awareness and Understanding of Women’s Rights and Issue Award was Wendy Page, Ian Harley, Mike Chirgwin and Colin Cosier for ‘Before you Leap’, ABC Australian Story.

Winner of the Office of Children and Early Childhood Development Increasing Awareness and Understanding of Children’s Rights and Issues award was Jane Jansen and Nick Farrow for ‘From behind the razor wire’, Channel Nine Sunday Program.

Winner of the Best Print News Award was Jill Margo and Steve Georgopoulos for ‘The terminally ill deserve better’ The Australian Financial Review.

Winner of the Best Print Feature was Rory Callinan ‘Stolen Generation’ Time Magazine.

Due to the quality of finalists a special commendation was awarded to David Lesser ‘Children Overboard: Two Women, Two Stories’, The Australian Women’s Weekly.

For more information on award winners and finalists contact the UNAA Victoria office on (03) 9670 7878.