SYDNEY: The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) has announced that South Australia's Attorney-General, the Hon. Michael Atkinson MP will be bestowed the prestigious 2009 Friend of the Armenian-Australian Community Award at its Annual Banquet this November.

Mr. Atkinson was a driving force behind the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by South Australia's Legislative Assembly earlier this year. In introducing the motion, he spoke in Parliament about the proud intertwining of Armenian and South Australian history, which reveals details of key Adelaide identities leading a national humanitarian effort to aid victims of the Armenian Genocide in 1915.

The 2009 Friend of the Armenian-Australian Community Award will be presented to Mr. Atkinson at the Roseville Golf Club on Friday, 20 November, and will see him join a distinguished list of former recipients which include Professor Colin Tatz, Peter Collins, Bob Carr, Joe Hockey and John Watkins.

ANC Australia President, Mr. Varant Meguerditchian said: "On occasion, an elected official rises so far above the fray and serves the interests of justice that it reaffirms everything right about Australia’s democracy.

"Mr. Michael Atkinson is such an individual and we will proudly honour him on behalf of the Armenian-Australian community on 20 November."

Mr. Meguerditchian added: "Mr. Atkinson acted with distinction and the South Australian motion is an important step towards Federal government recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Press Notes

Michael Atkinson attended the Australian National University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts (Hons), and a Bachelor of Ls. He has worked as a sub-editor and journalist for the Adelaide Advertiser and as an advisor to Federal Minister Chris Hurford. First elected to the South Australian Parliament in 1989, Atkinson is currently the South Australian Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

Every year, over 200 Armenian-Australian community members and leaders join prominent dignitaries for the ANC Australia Annual Banquet. This year, the Banquet is set to be a sold out event. It will begin at 7:30pm, with a three-course dinner during a formal program, which includes an address from ANC Australia Advocacy Week international guest of honour, His Excellency Ara Papian (Former Armenian Ambassador to Canada). An auction and other entertainment will follow Mr. Atkinson receiving the 2009 Friend of the Armenian-Australian Community Award.

Please click here for more information and information on how to secure tickets.