Rev Bill Crews honoured as Human Rights Award winner

Pictured: Rev. Bill Crews with General Secretary of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and the ACT, Rev. Dr Andrew Williams

Minister for Multiculturalism John Ajaka today announced the Reverend Bill Crews, the Founder and Chairman of the Exodus Foundation as the recipient of the 2015 NSW Human Rights Award at a function in Parliament House.

The NSW Human Rights Award pays tribute to those who support the disadvantaged and marginalized and endeavour to make NSW a better community. Mr Ajaka said that he was delighted to announce that Revered Bill Crews received this year’s award.

“Rev. Crews has dedicated his life to helping the elderly, sick, homeless and disadvantaged. His perseverance in positively influencing the community is outstanding and fully deserves this recognition,” Mr Ajaka said. “The judging panel found that Reverend Crews was an esteemed community figure who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. He is a passionate campaigner who exemplifies compassion, and will make an outstanding NSW Human Rights Ambassador.”

“The Uniting Church congratulates Rev. Crews on receiving this prestigious award for his tireless efforts as an advocate and campaigner for the rights of the disadvantaged in our community,” said the Rev. Dr Andrew Williams, the General Secretary of the Synod of NSW and the ACT.

Reverend Bill Crews started his career as an electrical engineer and was introduced to the Wayside Chapel in late 1969. After finding a strong connection with the congregation, he decided to quit his engineering career and work full time at the Wayside Chapel.

Bill since became a Minister for the Uniting Church and for 30 years has run the Exodus Foundation. He is a Minister of the Ashfield Parish in Sydney’s Inner West.

The NSW Human Rights Award is presented annually in memory of Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish businessman who saved thousands of Jews in Nazioccupied Hungary during the Second World War.