On June 25th 2010 Tasmanian lawyer Alexander (Sandy) Duncanson died at the age of 37, after surviving cancer for sixteen years. Sandy is greatly missed, and was widely respected for his work in the community legal and housing sectors.
In 2002 Sandy visited Woomera Detention Centre and interviewed refugees seeking asylum. At the time he was still a law student and this experience had a lasting impact, inspiring Sandy to dedicate his working life to social justice. Find out more about Sandy's story by viewing the ABC 7.30 report here.
In recognition of Sandy's profound commitment to social justice, in 2011 his friends and family have established a fund in his name through the University of Tasmania Foundation.
Each year the Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Fund grants one or more bursaries to University of Tasmania students with a demonstrated commitment to social justice. Applicants are asked to nominate a social justice project or activity, and to explain how they will use their bursary to support it. This may involve working with an established organization on a recognized issue, or involve an entirely new initiative. Selection is through an application process managed through the Faculty of Law and the Inglis Clark Centre for Civil Society.
The University of Tasmania also holds a public lecture in Sandy's name each year, raising awareness of social justice issues amongst UTAS students and staff, legal practitioners and other professionals, and across the wider Tasmanian community.
The inaugural Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Lecture was delivered in 2011 by The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG. Entitled "My Journey with Social Justice". It was attended by over 700 people and provided an inspiring and compelling vision of the impact and importance of social justice as well as a moving insight into the life and passion of Sandy Duncanson. view here - click on More General Items link and scroll down to 12 May 2011 Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Lecture.
The 2012 lecture was delivered by jurist and reformer Associate Professor Andrea Durbach, and the lecture was followed by a screening of her award-winning new film "A Common Purpose". The lecture also includes a short presentation by the first bursary recipient, Laura Sykes. view recording here - 5 September 2012 Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Lecture
To read the lecture notes provided by Associate Professor Andrea Durbach click here.
The Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Fund currently totals around $111,000 - exceeding the initial goal of $60,000 - which enables us to grant bursaries totalling $3500 in 2013. Your contribution to the Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Fund will allow more bursaries to be awarded.
Contributions can be made as once-off donations or recurring donations at intervals of your choice. All donations are tax deductible. Your donation can be anonymous or named. Donate now via the UTAS Foundation website click here (under 'Gift purpose' select Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Bursary option) or by telephoning 03 6226 1920.
Photos featured below are from the 2012 Sandy Duncanson Social Justice Lecture