First Nations international human rights advocate and lawyer Sandra Creamer has won a Queensland Community Impact Award (QCIA) in the Human Rights category.
The University of Queensland Professor collected one of the four Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) awards, which recognise the state’s most inspirational advocates and community services, at Brisbane City Hall last night.
“A proud Waanyi/Kalkadoon woman, Professor Creamer’s extraordinary, tireless advocacy has seen her affect important change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples on a local, national, and international stage,” QCOSS said.
“From water security to menstrual health, climate change, domestic violence protection and better financial security for women, Professor Creamer’s influence has been powerful and far-reaching.
“The highly respected human rights leader, who is also an author, lawyer and academic, sits on a range of advisory boards, and is currently the Chair of the 2023-2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action plan under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children.”
There were five finalists for the Human Rights Award, including prison advocacy organisation Sisters Inside.
Ipswich organisation Tivoli Social Enterprises won the Community Impact Award, which had nine finalists including North Queensland Women’s Legal Service and Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service.
Multicultural Australia Community Development Worker Lida Daliri won the Frontline Hero Award, which had six finalists including Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Advocate Daniela Henninger from Women’s Legal Service Queensland.
Nambour Community Centre won the Neighbourhood Centre Award.
QCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh congratulated all winners, saying “Queensland is in a much better place thanks to your work”.
“The QCIA winners and finalists embody the important and positive change that happens as a result of a strong and engaged community sector in Queensland,” Aimee said.
“The QCIA winners and finalists have overcome obstacles to make an incredible difference in people’s lives. Their stories last night were heartwarming.
“It is an honour to celebrate them and the exceptional work of the community services sector, which is the beating heart of Queensland.”
The awards were handed out by QCOSS patron and Queensland Governor Dr Jeanette Young.
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