A well-respected Warumungu elder was bestowed the Fitzgerald Justice Award in the 2021 Northern Territory Human Rights Awards recently.
John Fitz Jakamarra was nominated for his dedication to being a community mentor to the welfare, wellbeing and reintegration of local people in the Barkly community.
John is a key member of the NT Shelter’s Barkly Regional Accommodation Action Group.
An NT Shelter spokesperson said John is committed to supporting to those who have been impacted or at risk of being impacted by the justice system.
“Over the many years he has supported many local men, both young and old, who have had difficulty settling back into their community following custodial sentences,” she said.
“Not only does John create the connection between the incarcerated and their family members living in the Barkly by conveying messages and sharing information.
“He talks about the work he does with his team of helpers at The Paterson Street Hub and encourages them to connect with him once they return home.
“He is passionate about the need for appropriate and affordable housing.
He is a very polite man but is also a very determined advocate for change,” she said.
“He is committed to seeing his community get more housing, and better quality housing, as a means of addressing overcrowding and alleviating poverty.”
The Northern Territory Human Rights Awards celebrate notable activities by both individuals and organisations by Territorians, which advance human rights.
This article appeared in the Tennant & District Times, 17 December 2021.
