NOFASD is delighted to congratulate Megan Brown, a member of our Lived Experience Advisory Group, who was announced at a ceremony in Darwin, as the recipient of an award in the prestigious NT Human Rights Awards. Fittingly, these awards were announced on 10th December, which is International Human Rights Day.
A dedicated FASD advocate, Megan received the Individual Award in the “Social Change” category, which had a field of eight finalists.
Announcing her as the recipient, the award recognised her outstanding leadership in driving social change and improving the rights of children and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. For more than 20 years Megan has transformed her personal experience into community action, establishing the Alice Springs FASD Support Group, creating safe spaces for families, and leading innovative awareness campaigns such Red Shoes Rock.
Through tireless volunteerism, national advocacy with NOFASD, and creative community engagement, Megan has dismantled stigma, increased understanding of this hidden disability and strengthened the right of children to access support, education and dignity.
Accepting the award Megan made the following speech, using this platform to continue her quest to raise understanding of the impacts of FASD.
“I feel very honoured to have been nominated and win the NT Human Rights Award in the Social Change category tonight. Thank you, NT Human Rights, for acknowledging the people who have made contributions to lives of other people.
I would like you all to take a moment and imagine what it might be like for a person living with FASD.
1. You wake up already tired.
Your brain feels like a computer with too many tabs open.
Even simple steps—get dressed, find your shoes, pack your bag—take more effort than they seem to take others.
2. Instructions feel slippery.
Someone says, “First do X, then Y, but if Z happens, skip Y and do A instead.”
You nod, because you want to succeed.
But a moment later, the steps are jumbled or gone.
People assume you weren’t listening, even though you were trying your very hardest.
3. The world feels loud and fast.
A sound someone else barely notices—buzzing lights, a passing truck—hits you like an alarm.
Your brain can’t filter what’s important and what’s not, so everything arrives at once.
FASD is real, and every person living with FASD requires support—just as someone with a wooden leg needs it to walk. When you remove those supports, you set that person up to fail. But when you provide them, you give them the chance to thrive.
This is why I do what I do. I will always be an advocate—always a voice for people living with FASD—and I will continue to raise awareness wherever and whenever I can.
NOFASD Australia has been an enormous support to me, and I truly wouldn’t be standing here without them.
I also want to thank my family for always supporting me— Dad and Mum, my Mum who is here today—and two very special friends who are also with me tonight. Your support for me means more than you know.
Thank you.”
