Australian University honours HCR Founder
Dr. Ross James shows workshop participants in Pakistan his shoes, saying, “If you want to change communities you need to get your shoes dirty.”
HCR’s Founder, Dr. Ross James has been nominated for a Curtin University Global Impact Award for ‘outstanding contributions that have enriched the welfare of humanity on an international scale’. The award, which is part of the the Perth-based university’s Alumni Achievement Awards, was set up to recognise Curtin graduates who are making significant contributions to society.
Professor Colin Binns, the John Curtin Distinguished Professor of Public Health, said Ross James had made a significant contribution to public health in the Asia Pacific region though his expertise in health communication. “He has worked tirelessly as a volunteer, academic and international aid consultant to benefit the citizens of the countries he has worked in. In particular he has concentrated on the most disadvantaged in these communities,” Professor Binns said. Dr. Peter Howat, Emeritus Professor at the School of Public Health at Curtin University and former colleague of Dr. James said, “His work has been truly inspirational and worthy of high recognition.” Dr. Howat added that for over 40 years, Ross James had made outstanding professional and voluntary contributions that had enriched the lives of many people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds both within Australia and in numerous countries throughout the world, underpinned by his extremely high Christian ideals.
Ross James is widely regarded as one of the world’s most recognised experts in community-centred, health-promoting radio. Many of the initiatives that he has been involved in have greatly improved the health and social development of many communities in countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Cambodia, Mongolia, Philippines and Kyrgyzstan. The beneficial effects of his pioneering efforts have also been felt by remote Aboriginal communities and international non-government organisations. Ross has formerly held honorary appointments as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia, Edith Cowan University and Curtin University.
The award ceremony will take place in Perth on 13 November 2015.