Pat Anderson AO
Ms Anderson is an Alyawarre woman, whose mother was one of the Stolen Generations.
About this winner
- Year: 2016
- Level: Winner
- Award category: Human rights medal
About the 2016 nomination
Ms Anderson is an Alyawarre woman, whose mother was one of the Stolen Generations. Ms Anderson grew up in Parap camp in Darwin, acutely aware from a very young age of the extreme forms of discrimination and racism experienced by Aboriginal people. Ms Anderson is the Chair of the Lowitja Institute and co-chair of the Prime Minister's Referendum Council. She has worked tirelessly to advance the rights and welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly in regards to education, health, early childhood development, and preventing violence against Aboriginal women and children.
Ms Anderson is also motivated by the need to create positive pathways for individuals and communities, based on culture, identity, health and wellbeing. She wants to change the narrative so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples celebrate their successes and have agency and control over their lives.
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.