Mrs Josie Lacey, Chair of NSW Religions for Peace, received the Premier’s inaugural Lifetime Community Service award. She received the award from Premier Barry O’Farrell; Communities Minister Vic Dominello and Community Relations Commissioner Stepan Kerkyasharian.
The official award was “for her dedicated service over 30 years to the promotion of interfaith and inter-communal harmony, and achievements in multiculturalism spanning social justice, anti-racism, women’s rights and children’s rights”.
She was joined by her husband, Ian Lacey and two daughters, Dr Judith Lacey and Rebecca Lacey-Ehrlich.
Mrs Josie Lacey with Premier Barry O’Farrell and Communities Minister Vic Dominello
Josie Lacey has made a lasting contribution to interfaith and intercultural harmony in NSW. her achievements in multiculturalism span the issues of social justice, anti- racism, women’s rights and children’s rights.
Her experiences of the aftermath of war-torn Europe strengthened her commitment to help create a society that denigrates racism.
Over some three decades, Ms Lacey built a vast network of personal relationships across many faiths and cultural groups. The foundation of these networks is in the bonds of trust, loyalty, affection and respect.
She has inspired three generations of young people to pursue a path of peace and understanding.
NSW Shadow Minister for Water and NSW Parliamentary Friends of Israel deputy chair, Walt Secord, who has been friends with the Lacey family for almost 25 years said: “Congratulations to Mrs Lacey for her life-long commitment to justice, fighting intolerance and promotion of community harmony and interfaith activity. It is an award recognising decades of hard work and a commitment to making Australia a truly wonderful nation.”
Mrs Josie Lacey has served as Chair, Religions for Peace NSW Branch, for many years.
Mrs Josie Lacey with members of Religions for Peace NSW at a recent meeting
