Published: 2 Sep 2011
White Ribbon has announced Mick Doleman, Deputy National Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia as the 2011 White Ribbon Australia Ambassador of the Year in recognition of his work to stop men’s violence against women.
Mick Doleman was honored at the prestigious White Tie Gala fundraising event at Sydney's Town Hall on Thursday 1 September.
The Award was presented by Carole Molyneux, CEO of White Ribbon Foundation Sponsor suzannegrae in front of some of Australia's most well-known and distinguished leaders and personalities, including The Hon. Kate Ellis MP, The Hon. Tony Burke MP, The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, Andrew O'Keefe, Adam Spencer and representatives from the NRL, AFL, NSW Police and NSW Ministers.
Mick Doleman was chosen as Ambassador of the Year because of the impact of his advocacy in extending the White Ribbon Campaign into all aspects of the union's activities.
He was instrumental in the MUA's unique Not Silent, Not Violent t-shirts and flags which have been displayed everywhere from oil rigs off the North West coast, to Antarctica, to Sydney ferries and all Australian container terminals - taking White Ribbon to horizons beyond the reach of anyone else. As a result of Mick's efforts all male MUA officials, officers and many members have become White Ribbon Ambassadors.
"The White Ribbon model is a fantastic opportunity to raise the consciousness of men in the workforce and with a predominantly male workforce the maritime industry is a great opportunity for the work of the White Ribbon movement," said Mick.
"Having spoken on White Ribbon in NZ, Malaysia, PNG, UK and shortly Durban, South Africa I know White Ribbon is a truly global movement of great importance."
The White Ribbon Campaign is Australia's only national male-led violence prevention campaign and is led by more than 1400 male Ambassadors, who include high profile men such as Andrew O'Keefe, Kevin Rudd, Hazem El Masri, Charlie King, Michael Long, and the list goes on.
White Ribbon Ambassador Program Manager, Paul McGlew, congratulates Mick on his achievement: "Mick has really shown his dedication to tackling the issue of violence against women. Mick provides a shining example of the fantastic work of White Ribbon Ambassadors across the country.
"The White Ribbon Ambassador of the Year Award is about thanking Ambassadors and highlighting that every man has a role to play in standing up for our sisters, our mothers, our daughters and our friends."
