The Christopher Newell Social Justice Award

This award commemorates the inspirational life and work of Christopher James Newell AM, a visionary social activist and disability advocate. The Australian College of Educators in Tasmania has provided this annual award as a means to recognise the work of individuals or organisations that best exemplify socially meaningful achievements, or play a significant role in promoting social justice in our State. The College, by recognising and rewarding real life examples of work and achievement in this area, seeks to honour the memory of Christopher Newell and promote the cause of social justice. The Award seeks to acknowledge an individual, group or organisation with a clearly notable record of work for change in social and cultural contexts that disadvantage, impoverish and disempower people.

Associate Professor Christopher James Newell AM FACE served with great distinction on the staff of St David's Cathedral, Hobart, and in the medical faculty of the University of Tasmania, speaking and publishing widely in his chosen fields of medical ethics, spirituality, pastoral theology, bioethical issues and the situation of people with disabilities. Christopher Newell received an Order of Australia Medal in 2001 for services to people with disabilities, to health consumers and the development and practice of ethics. He was awarded the Australian College of Educators highest award, the College Medal, in 2008.

The Christopher Newell Social Justice Award is presented each year, following a selection from the list of those nominated for the Award. The Award will be awarded to an individual and/or organisation that seeks to achieve, perform and promote important work which is aimed at changing the circumstances in which people are excluded, impoverished and disempowered. 

Eligibility and Criteria

The nomination should show that the individual or organisation being nominated for the Award is engaged in the process of building a more just society and:

  • has worked effectively to change those social situations, public attitudes, structures or policies which cause people to be excluded, impoverished or disempowered; and
  • has demonstrated an attitude of respect for the human dignity of all people.

Nominations for this Award will close on 28th February 2010. A statement of up to 500 words outlining the work for which the nomination seeks recognisition should be lodged with:

Dr Julie Rimes, FACE

The Australian College of Educators

PO Box 215 Sandy Bay Tasmania 7006 

The Award will be presented by His Excellency the Governor of Tasmania, The Hon. Peter Underwood AC, at a gala dinner at the University of Tasmania on Friday 12 March 2010.