First Nations champions of Illawarra, South Coast honoured at NAIDOC awards

Linguists, welfare and environmental advocates, a musician and champions for sharing Indigenous culture were on Saturday recognised at the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards 2022 at the Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow.

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"Although held outside of NAIDOC Week, this year's NAIDOC Awards really speaks to the NAIDOC Week theme of 'Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!'," Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.

"It's a message which asks us to consider what we can all do to take meaningful action to champion institutional, structural, collaborative and cooperative change."

Aunty Jodie Stewart and Uncle Peter Button were named Aboriginal Female and Male Elder of the Year.

Aunty Jodie was honoured for her work with Southern Youth and Family Services (Shoalhaven), and a longstanding commitment to helping reconciling or restoring young people within the family home, helping family members support their children and young people, helping young people connect with their education, training and employment and community.

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Uncle Peter was honoured for his dedication to protecting the environment within the Illawarra both personally and through his work with the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service.

Dr Jodi Edwards was awarded Aboriginal Community Representative of the Year for her efforts to preserve the traditional language by working with schools, other organisations, government departments and childcare centres to share language and culture.

Kiama High School student Alira Morgan received Aboriginal Young Achiever of the Year (female) for her longstanding efforts to share Indigenous language, art and dance.

Singer-songwriter Aidan Whitehall (professionally known as Aodhan) received Aboriginal Young Achiever of the Year (male) for his contribution to the arts.

Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year went to Julie Street-Smith for her long history of volunteering with community groups and organisations.

Aboriginal Organisation of the Year went to Illawarra Koori Men's Support Group - a not-for-profit charity initiated and directed by Aboriginal men.

Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal or Non-Aboriginal) was awarded to Cleone Wellington and Hayley Longbottom for their development of a Cultural Immersion and Decolonisation program, which invites participants to see local history through an Aboriginal lens, on an intimate journey through true Australian history.

ALL THE WINNERS

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