William Tilmouth has been awarded the prestigious Australian Human Rights Medal in recognition of his decades-long advocacy for First Nations self-determination and sovereignty - an achievement he says is built on his mission "to serve all people".
Hosted at the University of Technology Sydney on Friday, the 38th Australian Human Rights Awards attracted more than 300 nominations, with 20 finalists representing a diverse range of contributions across industries and fields.
From those 20 finalists, a quarter were represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and advocates, reflecting the depth and breadth of First Nations contributions to human rights work across the nation.
Mr Tilmouth received the top honour among a raft of First Nations nominees, becoming this year's Australian Human Rights Medallist.
Hailing from Mparntwe/Alice Springs, the Arrente Elder has dedicated his life's work to advancing justice, opportunity and self-determination for the First Nations people - driven by his lived experiences as a survivor of the Stolen Generation.
As founding Chair of Children's Ground, a First Nations-led reform movement in the Northern Territory, and 2023 NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year, Mr Tilmouth has long established himself as a leading figure in First Nations advocacy.
"I want to congratulate all the finalists and recognise your work in protecting and championing fundamental human rights in Australia. I do not believe in individual accolades," Mr Tilmouth said in his acceptance speech.
"This award goes to all those in the communities where we work and the people we serve,"
Mr Tilmouth joins an illustrious group of medal recipients recognised as nation-builders and champions for human rights, including Fred Hollows, Ian Thorpe, the Honourable Peter McClellan, Professor Larissa Behrendt, and Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Rosemary Kayess.
"I'm proud to hold the responsibility and care for the oldest living culture in the world, the oldest system of governance, education, health, law and human rights, but we must face the daily battle against the system designed by assimilation, genocide and injustice," he said on Friday.
During his acceptance speech, Mr Tilmouth highlighted the ongoing fight for human rights amongst First Nations communities, particularly in the NT.
"We are not allowed to uphold our basic human rights...It's something that historically has not been afforded to us. The Northern Territory Government refuses the entry of United Nations Human Rights investigators into prisons, where prison rates are skyrocketing with overcrowding, where the children as young as 10 are being locked up, and where we use spit hoods against children," he said.
"In Australia, we have had more deaths in custody this year than in previous years. My condolences are with those families who have lost members.
"All of this is preventable. The attack on our children, families and culture is relentless and cruel. The lack of response from governments is an act of complicity in these violations of our rights."
As a survivor of the Stolen Generation, each moment of progress and instance of injustice carries deep personal meaning for Mr Tilmouth. At age five, he was forcibly removed from his family and sent to Kroger Island, where he endured the "full force of systems, abuse and racism".
"I was denied my language, my identity, culture and the love of a family. It was a long journey home...I was one of the lucky ones. I found my family who embraced me, but I cannot repair what I have lost, and I still question, Who am I?" he explained.
"My experience has shaped my belief that every child should grow up with family, culture, opportunity, safety, dignity, respect, care and identity as their foundations. Human rights are a lived experience."
Despite these challenges, Mr Tilmouth remains committed to solutions and the future of his people - driving the tireless work he has now been recognised for at the highest level.
"What drives me is the strength and the determination of our people. I see solutions in every community. I see the cultural vision and the leadership of our people. I have hope for the future generations. I see the presence of our young people," he said.
But Mr Tilmouth is passionate about ensuring all Australians are granted the freedom and safety of protected human rights.
"But this is not just about First Nations. People here in Australia are in danger of destroying the very essence of humanity as we fail to rein in extremism, racism and violence," he said.
"I have hope for our children to grow up free from oppression, violence, fear, poverty and discrimination. I have hoped that we will all, together. We will together achieve a society where our people and all people can walk and enjoy equality, dignity, opportunity and freedom from injustice."
