Dr Nicole Bieske: Human rights advocate and 2016 Carey Medallist

Community service runs through the veins of Carey. We all know of people among us in the Carey community who go above and beyond to contribute to their local, national and global communities.

This is why the Carey Medal was established. We want to recognise the people who are making a positive impact on the world – small or large. Anyone within the Carey community is eligible to be nominated – current and past staff, parents and students – who are actively trying to make the world a better place.

Nominations for the 2020 Carey Medallist are open. You can find out more here.

Since the first Carey Medal in 1997, we have been able to recognise some amazing people in the Carey community. The recipient of the 2016 Carey Medal was Old Carey Grammarian Dr Nicole Bieske (1991). Nicole has given exceptional and outstanding service in the field of human rights, especially through her work with Amnesty International.

Nicole started her career as a corporate lawyer, but found her calling while completing her PhD when she began volunteering at Amnesty International and working as a human rights consultant for the United Nations.

Since then, Nicole has worked for not-for-profit organisations including as CEO at Inner Melbourne Community Legal, as the Humanitarian Advocacy Lead at Oxfam Australia and currently Head of Programme at Transparency International Australia, an organisation which aims to defend democracy around the world by fighting systemic corruption, unfair laws and illegal practices.

Nicole became a member of Amnesty International in 1998. She undertook a number of roles both within the Australian branch and at an international level. Nicole was on the Board of Amnesty International Australia for over seven years and was the National President (Chair) of that Board for over three years. Prior to being on the Board, she was a member of the National Legal Team and she appeared before Parliamentary Committees on behalf of Amnesty International Australia. She was a member of the Global Governance Task force and was Chair of the International Board of Amnesty International for eight years, overseeing the strategic direction of Amnesty International. All of this work was in a voluntary capacity.

In 2014, Nicole stated, ‘I have seen the impact that individual people working together can have to achieve social change. And I'm inspired in my governance work to position Amnesty International to have a major impact on the human rights of people around the world.’

Even with her work and voluntary commitments, Nicole has continued to have a strong relationship with the Carey community, speaking at careers evenings and at the 2016 International Women's Day Breakfast.

If you know of anyone in the community who inspires you and others, who is helping people in a volunteer capacity, and who you think deserves the recognition of this prestigious community award, please nominate them for 2020 Carey Medallist. You can download the Carey Medal Nomination form or contact us if you have anyone in mind, and a member of the Committee will be in touch.

The Carey Medal Committee and Community Engagement
careymedalsuggestions@carey.com.au