A diverse group of human rights advocates has been named as finalists in the 2025 Australian Human Rights Awards, ranging from youth support workers and filmmakers to justice advocates and medical professionals.
Twenty finalists were selected from nearly 300 nominations across 5 categories, including the prestigious Australian Human Rights Medal, which has been awarded annually since the Awards began in 1987.
Australian Human Rights Commission President, Hugh de Kretser, said the Awards recognise the tireless efforts of individuals and organisations working to advance human rights across the country.
‘The Awards shine a light on Australia’s human rights champions - individuals and organisations working across healthcare, education, law, the arts, the environment and more to improve the lives of others,’ Mr de Kretser said.
‘This year’s finalists reflect the diverse ways people are advancing justice and equality.’
The Australian Human Rights Awards are the nation’s premier event for recognising outstanding contributions to human rights.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony and reception in Sydney on Friday 12 December, coinciding with International Human Rights Day (10 December). The event will also feature the annual Human Rights Day Oration, with this year’s orator to be announced in the coming weeks.
‘I also want to acknowledge and thank everyone who was nominated. Our judging panels were deeply impressed by the calibre and diversity of this year’s nominations,’ Mr de Kretser said.
2025 Australian Human Rights Awards Finalists
Human Rights Medal | presented by AHRC
Travis Lovett (Vic): Deputy Chair and Commissioner of the Yoorook Justice Commission for strengthening self-determination, building bridges between cultures and giving voice to thousands of First Peoples through truth-telling.
Anjali Sharma (ACT): For her climate advocacy which has sparked a movement campaigning for climate justice for future generations.
William Tilmouth (NT): For dedicating his life to reform, justice, opportunity and self-determination for First Peoples.
Michelle Telfer (Vic): For her advocacy for trans and gender-diverse young people and shifting national conversation towards inclusion, compassion and evidence-based care.
Law Award |presented by Anti-Discrimination NSW in memory of Helen McKenzie
Elisabeth Armitage (NT): For her work as Coroner and judge in making institutions accountable for upholding human rights and removing barriers so every citizen can enjoy full, safe and equal lives.
Jane Tiller (Vic): For leadership in addressing ethical, legal and social issues in genomic medicine and transforming the human rights landscape of Australian health policy.
Tekan Lee Cochrane (Vic): For her work for safer systems through law reform and community, especially for First Peoples, migrants and others facing injustice.
Belinda Kochanowska (Qld): For using the law to uphold disability rights and restore dignity and autonomy for clients in the NDIS.
Media and Creative Industries Award |presented by SBS
Ben Doherty (NSW): For reporting on human rights and humanitarian issues, from domestic servitude to experiences of forced migration and asylum.
Yokai: Healing our spirit (WA): For their documentary Genocide in the wildflower state which portrays the trauma and resilience of survivors of the Stolen Generations in WA.
Fringe Dweller Films (Vic): For Killjoy, a documentary telling the story of Kathryn Joy - a child-survivor of family violence which highlights the ways children’s voices are overlooked in systemic responses to family violence.
InFilms (Qld): For Unbreakable: the Jelena Dokic story, which documented how abuse was ignored and highlighted the need for safeguarding children’s rights in sport.
Community Award | presented by Federation of Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia
Diversity Arts Australia (NSW): For promoting human rights through storytelling, campaigns and programs in the creative sector.
Welcome Merchant (Vic): For elevating the voices of refugee and asylum seeker entrepreneurs through digital marketing and events.
Womn-Kind (NSW): For supporting the mental health and wellbeing of adolescent girls and gender-diverse young people, particularly in regional and rural communities.
Ramnik Singh Walia (NT): For advocating for inclusion and accessible services for older people, people with disability and First Peoples, especially in remote areas.
Young People’s Award | presented by the EU Delegation to Australia
Shakira Robertson (Tas): For her trauma-informed work to prevent domestic and family violence and transform Tasmania’s systemic response.
Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw (Qld): For supporting young people by providing culturally safe spaces for them.
Charlotte Bailey (ACT): For her advocacy for people with disability to be paid fairly for their work and raising awareness about the value of inclusive employment.
Satara Uthayakumaran (NSW): For her innovative advocacy in sharing letters from children in detention with policymakers, her Listening Tour and her dedication to legal and social reform.
The finalists will join over 600 guests, including a host of community, government, legal, media and entertainment figures, for a memorable night of celebration on Friday 12 December at the UTS Great Hall in Sydney. Tickets are available now.
Media contact: [email protected] or 0457 281 897 (only calls, no texts please). Images of the finalists are available on request.
