Darwin Community Legal Centre
Established in 1991, the Darwin Community Legal Service has campaigned against mandatory sentencing and domestic violence, pushed for better access for the disabled and promoted human rights.
About this winner
- Year: 2000
- Level: Winner
- Award category: Community Award
About the 2000 nomination
Established in 1991, the Darwin Community Legal Service has campaigned against mandatory sentencing and domestic violence, pushed for better access for the disabled and promoted human rights. The judges were impressed by the range of issues tackled by the Centre and the methods of gathering community support - including use of the media and facilitating community debate on issues such as the impact of mandatory sentencing on people with an intellectual disability. They said the Centre tackled difficult issues and sometimes advocated a course of action that ran counter to prevailing community and political attitudes.
The Centre coordinates the community group Territorians for Effective Sentencing, has lobbied for better access to Indigenous interpreter services, organised the Annual Human Rights Arts Awards and successfully pushed for a police prosecutor dedicated to domestic violence matters.
About the Human Rights Awards
The Australian Human Rights Awards is an inspirational showcase of the best in all of us. The Awards honour and celebrate diverse human rights heroes and significant achievements in protecting and promoting human rights in Australia.