Vale Frank Hall – Bentick AM
Arts Access Victoria mourns the passing of a wonderful activist and friend.
Arts Access Victoria is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Hall – Bentick AM. Frank was the brother of the late Lesley Hall (previous Chair of AAV) and a panelist for the annual Lesley Hall award.
Frank had four pioneering decades as a disability advocate. He was incredibly active in the community. In 1981 he founded the Disability Resource Centre (DRC). Recently he was the Chairperson for the Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples’ Education Fund. He was recipient of the Order of Australia. He received an Australian Centenary of Federation Award. Frank was a key person in the drafting of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD). As a contributor to 17 disability rights organisations, his impact was felt widely. His legacy as a leader in the sector will remain.
Janice Florence from Arts Access Victoria reflects;
“I served with Frank on an Accessible Public Transport committee for 5 years. Before that I was very aware of Frank in the news. Advocating for accessible transport and his very early advocacy for better access to cinemas and the Melbourne Film Festival. Despite his quiet, gentle demeanor, he didn’t hesitate to take brave actions. Like dramatically stranding himself at the top of a cinema staircase. As Disabled people we must all be grateful for Frank’s intelligence, persistence and effectiveness in pursuing our on-going struggle for equality and equity.”
