Awards were presented to remarkable members of the Shoalhaven and Illawarra communities at the 2024 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards on Saturday night, themed Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud, and Proud.
The awards celebrated those who have ignited change, amplified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and embraced their cultural heritage with unwavering pride.
More than 70 Aboriginal Elders from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities attended the event that attracted 430 people to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.
Shoalhaven City Council hosted this year's event in collaboration with Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong councils.
"The NAIDOC Awards recognise the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations and businesses," said Mayor of Shoalhaven, Amanda Findley.
"Witnessing the incredible award winners, local talent and the renowned performers take to the stage was truly inspiring," Cr Findley said.
"These awards were made possible by the sponsors and the staff who devoted themselves to creating such a memorable night," she said.
"Selecting this year's winners posed a challenge for the committee, given the impressive range of applications and the remarkable contributions from individuals, organisations and businesses within their communities."
The 2024 NAIDOC Award winners are:
- Young Achievers of the Year: Kealen Blattner and Takesa Frank
- Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Non-Aboriginal): Tracey Kirk Downey
- Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal): Dale Wright
- Caring for Country and Culture: Blak Cede
- Organisation of the Year (For Profit): Gadhungal Marring
- Organisation of the Year (Not For Profit): Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre
- Outstanding Contribution to the Community (Paid and Voluntary): Sylvia Timbery & Uncle Kevin Butler
- Elder of the Year (Uncle): Uncle Edward Bloxsome
- Elder of the Year (Aunty): Aunty Grace Crossley
The evening featured Shelley Ware as the MC, traditional ceremonies and dances by local cultural organisation Gadhungal Marring, a captivating didgeridoo performance by accomplished player Jiah King and performances by mulit-award winning headline act Dan Sultan.
The event would not have been possible without the generosity of the sponsors Fulton Hogan, Big Fat Smile, Flagstaff Group, Yila Healing Trail, Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre.
