News

NAIDOC Awards recognise our community leaders

Mon, 08 Aug 2016 04:13:00

Mildura’s Koori community recognised the contributions of its leading citizens in an awards night ceremony to wrap up NAIDOC celebrations on Saturday night.

About 160 community-members attended the NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration) Ball and awards night.
The highlight of the ceremony was the induction of a highly-active and much-loved community leader into the local Indigenous Honor Roll.

Aunty Sandra Stewart was inducted into the Honor Roll, which recognises the contributions of long-serving community leaders as well as receiving the lifetime achievement award for her dedication and commitment to education, young people, families and community.

Aunty Patsy Doolan was also awarded the Aunty Bev Peter Award for Community Excellence in recognition of her role as a Mildura Koori Court officer and as a strong community leader who has worked in justice, welfare and family services and is a highly-active community volunteer.

Aunty Patsy and Aunty Sandra were among seven community achievers recognised at Saturday night’s ceremony.
“It’s been a fantastic NAIDOC celebration – just a really positive and happy month of celebration of our community and our Koori culture,” said the event coordinator Indi Clarke.
“The awards night in particular allows us to recognise the contributions and commitment of some really special people who are taking us forward, and others who are developing into leaders of our community for the future.”
The awards night was the highlight of what has been a hugely-successful 2016 NAIDOC celebration.
“It’s great to watch community involvement in NAIDOC growing each year,” said MDAS President Keith Hampton
“It’s exciting to see more organisations coming on board and people looking forward to getting involved in celebrating our culture each year now.”
Mr Clarke said it was pleasing that so many mainstream organisations and community-members getting involved in NAIDOC Week as organisers and participants.
“It’s a chance to learn more about our art, dance and storytelling and more people of all backgrounds are getting on board with NAIDOC every year.  We are loving that,” he said.

2016 NAIDOC AWARD WINNERS:
Aunty Bev Peter Award – Community Excellence – (Sponsors MDAS & Peter Family)
Winner:  Patsy Doolan

Life Time Achievement & Honor Roll – (Sponsor Murray Primary Health Network) 
Winner:  Sandra Stewart

Youth Award – (Sponsor Local Aboriginal Network)
Winner:  Travis Philp

Sports Person Award – (Sponsor Mallee Sports Assembly) 
Winner:  Derek Eggmolesse Smith

Volunteer Award – (Sponsor - One Idea)  
Winner:  Taya Thomas-Philp

Partnership / Organisation Award – (Sponsor - Australian Bureau of Statistics)   
Winner:  Chaffey Secondary College Koori Education Team

Trainee / Apprentice – (Sponsor - Sunraysia Community Health Service) 
Winner: Jennifer Laurie