The Australian Humanitarian Awards …’Promoting a commitment to the wellbeing of others,’ …were first held in 1998. This and subsequent Award’s Presentation evenings were extremely successful both in terms of attendance (250+ at all presentations) and acknowledging ‘unsung’ and well known heroes in our nation. The Award recipients have come from all across Australia.
The awards give us the opportunity to acknowledge outstanding people / organisations and promote humanitarian values, which benefit us all.
The Australian Humanitarian Awards help dismantle the narrow belief that humanitarianism is the exclusive domain of health care professionals / volunteers, carers and charities. Humanitarianism is an inspiring and uniting value that we can all adopt and display in our every contact with others.
 Independent judges assess entries in the following categories:

• Arts, Entertainment and Media       
• Charity                                               
• Education                                          
• Environment                          
• Health                                                

The Australian Humanitarian Awards:

• provide positive role models, especially for our young,
• recipients demonstrate the many positives in human nature,
• promote the achievements of those who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the reduction of harm and suffering,
• inspire people to embrace the values of humanitarianism - compassion, service, equity and friendship.

The theme of the Awards Presentation Evening is optimistic and deeply celebratory of humanitarian values. Special Guest Speakers have in past years included: The Hon Chief Justice Alastair Nicholson AO RFD, Nobel Peace Prize nominee Christina Noble, Dr. Hunter ‘Patch’ Adams, the Late Dr Magnus Clarke, Tim Costello, Julian Burnside QC, Liz Mullinar, Peter Brock, Aboriginal elder Murrundindi and Jim Stynes.

Judges of previous Awards have included such well known and respected Australians as: Prof Freda Briggs, Peter Brock, (the late) Dr Magnus Clarke, Tim Costello, Fabian Dattner, Dr Ian Gawler, Barbara Holborow, Denise Drysdale, Tim Lane, Fr Bob McGuire, Julie McCrossin, Ken Morgan, Liz Mullinar, Rod Quantock, Hugh Riminton, Peter Brock, Glenn Manton, Jim Stynes and Major Jacqueline Willis.

We believe it is imperative that the word ‘humanitarian’ be understood as a social value applicable at all times and across the spectrum of human interests, activities and professions.

The independent judges assess nominees as follows:

• Meeting the definition of humanitarian (One who seeks to forward the wellbeing of humanity; one who seeks to reduce harm, suffering, fear and loneliness in others; one who is committed to equity (the spirit of justice and fairness).

• Lack of ulterior motive,
• Sustained effort in reducing suffering and promoting equity,
• Devotion to value of all human life,
• Measurable achievements,
• Sustained interest,
• Demonstrated compassion in area of nomination,
• Leadership and vision.

Group or organization in addition to the above must demonstrate…

• Change to workplace culture,
• Devotion to goals and vision,
• Consumer / market feedback,
• Possibility for replication.