Craig Foster Crescent Foundation board member nominated for the 2021 Australian of the Year Awards

A local hero through and through

Craig Foster’s incredible work goes well beyond the media partner role for which he is best known. Yes, his experience as both a player and broadcaster at the FIFA World Cup and A-League means he is a prominent promoter of the importance of sport in the community – whether it’s Soccer or NRL, or played in Victoria, Queensland, NSW or anywhere around the world – but his work as a human rights campaigner is what really sets him apart as a local hero.

His list of accolades is extensive. Craig is a Human Rights and Refugee Ambassador for Amnesty Australia, an Australia Committee member with Human Rights Watch, and an Advisory Council member of the Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW.  His social justice advocacy extends to several high-profile, global campaigns, including leadership of the #SaveHakeem campaign to free Bahraini Muslim refugee Hakeem al-Araibi from a Thai prison, calling for the resettlement and freedom of over 400 refugees and asylum seekers – many of them young people – indefinitely detained by Australia in PNG and Nauru for almost seven years, and the humanitarian response by global sport to the COVID-19 pandemic (#PlayForLives), which began in Australia and expanded internationally.

Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, and more

Craig is in good company with the other finalists, including Dr Richard Walley OAM as a champion of Aboriginal culture, Victorian nominee Tayla Harris as an ambassador against domestic violence, and of course Professor Brendan Murphy for his exceptional work in Australia’s battle against COVID-19.

The Australian Government will award 2021 Australian of the Year winners on 25 January from 7.30 pm (AEDT).

Craig Foster joins the Crescent Foundation Board

As a recent appointee to the Crescent Foundation Board, we are proud to acknowledge Craig’s achievements and ongoing endeavours to support those who need it most.

“Crescent Foundation offered a unique opportunity to partner. With an established program for refugee students at UWS, along with initiatives for the homeless and young people, there was really strong alignment and a shared vision,” said Mr Foster on his appointment to the advisory board.

“This year has created significant and new challenges for our most vulnerable communities that require immediate action. I look forward to working with Crescent Foundation to raise awareness, and funds and deliver practical solutions.”