Award for lifelong service to First Nations people
An Arrernte man from Alice Springs/Mparntwe, has received Australia’s top human rights honour for his lifelong commitment to advancing opportunity, justice and self-determination for First Nations people.
William Tilmouth has dedicated his life to reform, justice, opportunity and self-determination for First Peoples.
William has led numerous community organisations and is the founding chair of Children’s Ground, a First Peoples-led reform movement. He is a member of the Stolen Generation and was NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year in 2023.
An inspiration
Mr Tilmouth was awarded the Human Rights Medal at the Australian Human Rights Awards in Sydney on Friday, joining other outstanding advocates for equality and social justice in the nation’s premier celebration of human rights achievements.
2025 Award recipients:
- Human Rights Medal – William Tilmouth (NT)
- Media and Creative Industries – Ben Doherty (NSW)
- Law – Coroner Elisabeth Armitage (NT)
- Community – Ramnik Singh Walia (NT)
- Young People – Shakira Robertson (Tasmania)
Congratulating the recipients Australian Human Rights Commission President Hugh de Kretser said: ‘The people and organisations we celebrate tonight are united by a commitment to human rights. They are transforming lives from healthcare and education to law, the arts and the environment.
“They inspire us and highlight the positive difference that human rights action is making in communities across our nation.”
Receiving the recognition Mr Tilmouth said he was honoured on behalf of his community.
“Human rights are about people having agency in their lives,” he said.
300 nominations
“The guidance and strength of Elders and the community leading change continues to inspire my work. People are standing up, realising that they have choices in life, that their voices can be heard, that they have agency in their lives – this is the agency that their children will follow.
“The children will learn from Elders that the foundation that they were born into is still strong, their language is still strong, culturally their identity is intact.”
This year’s Awards attracted more than 300 nominations, with 20 finalists representing a diverse range of contributions – from youth support workers and filmmakers to justice advocates and medical professionals.
Other award winners:
Law Award – 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.
Media and Creative Industries Award – Ben Doherty (NSW): For reporting on human rights and humanitarian issues, from domestic servitude to experiences of forced migration and asylum.
Community Award – 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 – Shakira Robertson (Tas): For her trauma-informed work to prevent domestic and family violence and transform Tasmania’s systemic response.
