The leader of a welfare organisation that helps the victims of domestic violence has won the 2013 Human Rights Medal.
Sisters of the Good Samaritan leader, Sister Clare Condon, was presented with the honour by last year's winner, Olympian Ian Thorpe, at a ceremony in Sydney on Tuesday evening.
Ms Condon, who's been a nun with the Sisters for about 40 years, has helped provide housing for women and children who experience domestic violence and also worked with indigenous women to develop a painting and silk venture.
Indigenous education campaigner Gurruwun (Yalmay) Yunupingu, indigenous artist Richard Frankland and another community worker, pastor Graham Long from the Wayside chapel, were also nominated for the award.
"These finalists have dedicated their lives to advancing and protecting the human rights of children and young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and individuals who experience mental illness, homelessness or domestic violence," Human Rights Awards Commission boss Professor Gillian Triggs said.
Ms Condon told the 200-strong crowd she was humbled by the award, accepted it on behalf of all the sisters who had fought for human rights in Australia for 156 years.
"Thank you for honouring the Sisters of the Good Samaritans. May they continue to work for the dignity of every person," she told the animated audience.
Organisers for the Human Rights Awards, held in the Museum of Contemporary Art at Circular Quay, had to assess a record number of nominations to find the 2013 winner.
The Australian Human Rights Commission had selected 40 finalists for 10 awards, including the human rights medal, media awards and the young human rights medal.
Mariah Kennedy, who at 16 organised 32 children's authors and illustrators to compile a book to inspire other youngsters to become involved in human rights, was awarded the young human rights medal.
"I'm not really sure how to respond, it's an incredible honour to present at this night amongst such inspiring company," she said as a grin spread across her blushing cheeks.
The finalists for the Young People's Human Rights Medal include Yarrie Bangura, who fled Sierra Leone's civil war and became an ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and David Sherwood, founder of not-for-profit group Teach Grow Learn Inc.
The community organisation award was won by the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, which mentors young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
The law award was won by South African-born lawyer Professor Andrea Durbach.
"It is a wonderful honour," she said.
