Friday, 24 October 2008

Aussie program wins UN peace award

THE AUSTRALIAN
October 24, 2008

AN ABC television program about two traumatised Vietnam veterans on a mission to deactivate mines in Cambodia has won an United Nations Media Peace Award.

Bomber and Roy is the story of veterans, Tony "Bomber" Bower-Miles and Roy Chamberlain, who made peace with their difficult lives by deactivating Cambodian mines.

Victorian Minister for Senior Victorians Lisa Neville tonight presented the 2008 UN Media Peace Award for depicting positive images of ageing and older people to ABC TV's Australian Story for their portrayal of the pair.

Ms Neville said the pair were powerful role models for older people and the unexpected benefit of volunteering in later years.

"Bomber and Roy's story is extraordinary, but there are many other older people who stay active and help their communities by volunteering and it is important that their work is recognised."

The United Nations Media Peace Awards aim to promote understanding and awareness about humanitarian and social justice issues, and the values of peace, cooperation and mediation rather than conflict and violence.

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