The Cath Leary Social Justice Award
Since 1996, the Mercy Foundation has recognised an individual, group, or organisation that has demonstrated a significant commitment to challenging and transforming the social and cultural structures that lead to poverty and disempowerment.
In August 2014, the Mercy Foundation Board renamed its annual social justice award the Cath Leary Social Justice Award, in honour of the late Cath Leary. This tribute recognises Cath’s outstanding commitment to social justice and her many years of dedicated service to the Mercy Foundation Board.
Cath had a background in education and community development. She worked as an educator in schools and then later managed the education team at Caritas Australia, before being appointed as the International Programs Director for Mary MacKillop International. Cath had a Masters in International Social Development from UNSW.
Cath served on the Mercy Foundation Grants committee for almost ten years and served as a member of the Board for five years. Cath is fondly remembered by all at the Foundation for her good humour and kindness and very acute, but gently given, sense of social justice. Cath worked tirelessly for people and communities who needed a voice and needed change. She truly embodied what it means to be at the service of human dignity.
About the Award
The award recognises individuals, groups or organisations that have made a major contribution to addressing key social justice issues in Australia.
Note that in awarding this prize, the Mercy Foundation Board takes into account activities which are currently underway or have been completed within the previous 5 years.
Through this Award, the Mercy Foundation wishes to affirm and promote:
- The important goal of addressing systemic social justice problems in Australia.
- The importance of work which is aimed at changing the things that cause people in our society to live in poverty, have inadequate access to education and/or employment, or experience homelessness or housing insecurity.
- The importance of doing this work in a way which demonstrates an attitude of fundamental respect for all people.
- Working to develop increased opportunities for people living in poverty.
- Advocacy activities – speaking up about and promoting solutions to structures and systems which contribute to inequities in our community.
Who is Eligible?
The Mercy Foundation staff nominates potential recipients of the award to the Board. The Board assesses the nominations and then select the recipient for the year.