1989 Human Rights Medal and Awards Winners
Commission – General
The Human Rights Awards is given in recognition of the efforts of an Australian citizen or resident who, through personal endevours, has made a substantial contribution to the promotion and advancement of the rights of all people - regardless of their sex, race, colour, origin, age or disability - to live in a fair and just society in which they may reach their maximum potential.
The 1989 Medal and Awards were presented to the winners on Human Rights Day, 10 December , by Ms Hazel Hawke at the Commission's Sydney Office.
human rights medal
Winner: Reverend Robert Ridley 
The Human Rights Medallist 1989 was the Reverend Robert Ridley from Victoria, Director of Orana Family Services and a minister of the Uniting Church. He was considered to have made an outstanding effort in identifying and promoting action to overcome discrimination and the infringement of human rights by a panel of four judges.
film award
Winner: Blowpipes and Bulldozers - Jeni Kendall and Paul Tait, Producers
literature and other writing awards
- Winner: Wanamurraganya - Sally Morgan
- Winner: Noonkanbah - Steve Hawke and Michael Gallagher
- Winner: I came Back to Show You I Could Fly - Robyn Klein
- Highly Commended: No Man;s Land - Barbara James
- Highly Commended:The Lost Children - edited by Coral Edwards and Peter Read
- Highly Commended: Black Words, White Page - Adam Shoemaker
- Highly Commended: Miracle of the Waters - Zeny Giles