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Perth National NAIDOC Ball
is “The Best Ever”
by Stephen Hagan
P
eople who attended the Perth NAIDOC Ball have asked me in recent days if I thought it was the “best ever” Ball. With the luxury of time to reflect on all aspects of that wonderful evening at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre I’m inclined to say it was - from my perspective - the “best ever” Ball. The theme We value the vision: Yirrkala Bark Petitions 1963 was significant at the time of its selection by the National NAIDOC Committee (pictured) many months prior, but became even more so on an emotional level with the passing in recent weeks of a national music icon, Mr Yunipingu, whose brother Galarruwuy was a prominent player in the Yirrkala Bark Petitions 50
years ago. Certainly Cairns (Respect the Past-Believe in the Future) in 2006 was significant for me personally as that was the year I received the NAIDOC Person of the Year Award. The stunning floral arrangement on tables and musical line up on the night back then left a lasting impression. Walking back to my hotel a couple of blocks away from the Cairns Convention Centre, after a euphoric night, with my beautiful wife Rhonda on a balmy north Queensland evening without the chill of a bitterly cold southern winter temperature that I’ve had to contend with in recent years also makes for warm reminiscence. The following year was also special to me as that was the year my father Jim took home the Male
Elder of the Year Award at the Darwin NAIDOC Ball (50 Years: Looking Forward, Looking Blak) that was held on the sprawling well manicured lawns of the Skycity Casino. The setting of that year’s event was definately the best of all settings with drinks and canapés enjoyably devoured whilst taking in the spectacular natural beauty of Mindil Beach and breathtaking sunsets over the Arafura Sea. But collectively Perth, with great Swan River views from the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, fantastic food, terrific service, great hosts in Ernie Dingo and Narelda Jacobs, music featuring an impressive line-up of Indigenous entertainment including comedian Mary G, local sensation Urban Youth Crew, the very talented
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Oz Island, Deadly group The Last Kinection and music legend Christine Anu, plus a great next night coverage of the event by NITV made it the “best ever” NAIDOC Ball. As a current national NAIDOC committee member, I’m confident the team will raise the bar even higher at next year’s host city, the Gold Coast, by putting on an even better Ball than this year. Without wanting to sound like the former Olympic Committee President, the late Juan Antonio Samaranch, when he declared Sydney the “best Olympic Games ever”, I hope I can write about the Gold Coast putting on the “best ever” Ball as I’ve done in this column. Only time will tell. National NAIDOC 2013 Award Winners Lifetime Achievement Award – Galarrwuy Yunupingu
1960’s for his role in the landmark Gove Land Rights Case. This was the first action by Indigenous Australians to challenge mining companies’ use of traditional lands. For many years, Galarruwy held an executive position on the Northern Land Council where he helped Aboriginal people win back, and take control of their land. To this day, Galarruwy continues his advocacy for self-determination and economic development among his people. Leader of the Gumatj Clan since 1979, Galarruwy has gained respect and admiration from prominent political leaders and many Australians alike for his dedication and achievements. Galarruwy has been honoured as Australian of the Year, Member of the Order of Australia, and has been named as one of Australia’s National Living Treasures. Person of the year – Darryl Kickett
sportsman, Darryl enjoyed success as a champion boxer and Australian Rules footballer. After completing a degree in social science Darryl was made Head of the Centre for Aboriginal Studies at the Curtin University. During this time, Darryl and his team developed the hugely successful Community Management and Development Course. Darryl has made an outstanding contribution in Aboriginal health. As the CEO of the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia, significant advancements were made in health care delivery, child and maternal health, chronic disease and mental health. Recently, Darryl has been responsible for bringing the Red Dust Healing Program to communities in WA, a program supporting a healthy path in life. As a result of Darryl’s vision, Noongar men are coming together to work towards spiritual healing. Darryl is described as a quiet achiever who doesn’t look for praise; somebody who has generosity of spirit and strength of character. Female Elder of the Year – Rose Richards
Gapirri Yunupingu, accepted the award on behalf of his father, Galarrwuy Yunupingu. Born at Melville Bay near Yirrkala in East Arnhem Land, Galarruwy Yunupingu is a prominent leader and strong voice for Aboriginal people. With Yolngu law and land rights his life’s interest, Galarrwuy came to national attention in the late Page 2
Darryl is a Noongar man from the Narrogin area of Western Australia who has worked tirelessly for his people for more than 40 years He has dedicated his life to community development, land rights, education, health and policy. Beginning his career as a
Rose Richards is a proud Yalangi and Tagalaga Elder from far north
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Queensland. At 83 years of age, she is still an inspirational leader and role model for her people. Rose has worked hard all her life. As an Aboriginal Liaison Officer at the Cairns Base hospital, Rose developed a passion for improving the health and wellbeing of babies, young children and mothers. In 1983, Rose furthered her passion by establishing her own organisation, Mookai Rosie-biBayan, to continue this work. This year, Mookai Rosie-bi-Bayan will celebrate its 30th anniversary and continues to be a national leader in Indigenous child and maternal health. Rose is warmly welcomed into communities by all who know her and her commitment to her people is acknowledged across Australia.
where he sat for eight years. He has also worked with Western Australia Tourism with a focus on increasing tourism to WA through promotion of Aboriginal arts, craft and tours. More recently, John has been involved with the Department of Corrections to increase levels of understanding within the Department about Aboriginal people and culture. John is an inspirational role model who has dedicated his life to improving the lives and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
Management Plan, which has received several awards including the Judges Recognition Award at the National Awards for Excellence. Jimmy has become the face of Yawaru country. He continues to devote his time to maintaining strong country and culture that can be handed down to future generations. As the CEO of the Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia, significant advancements were made in health care delivery, child and maternal health, chronic disease and mental health.
Caring for Country – Jimmy Edgar
Youth of the Year – Kate Malpass
Jimmy Edgar is a Yawuru and Karajarri man from Western Australia who has shown his passion for country and culture over many years. Jimmy provides cultural knowledge to schools, community organisations and government bodies that are interested in respecting and connecting to country. On a daily basis Jimmy engages with the Yawaru Rangers, using his wealth of knowledge to teach them about keeping country alive and fruitful, for people to enjoy. He played an important part in developing the Yawaru Cultural
Kate Malpass, a Noongar girl from Perth, has been defying the odds since birth. Being told she would never have full strength in one of her arms, she went on to play, and excel, in every sport at school. At just 13 years of age, Kate was part of the under 16 National Championships for basketball. She has been part of two national championship basketball teams, including the Perth Lynxs team, which she captained to victory. Off the court, Kate has completed a degree in physiotherapy and now lives in Melbourne, working as the first Aboriginal physiotherapist for Page 3
Male Elder of the Year – John Hayden
John Hayden is a respected Noongar elder from Brookton in the south west of Western Australia. He started his working life in shearing sheds and manual labour crews, but decided his passion was to be actively involved in advancing the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal people. John spent 12 years working in Aboriginal health, before being elected to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Regional Council
www.firstnationstelegraph.com the Richmond Football Club. An outstanding role model, Kate also mentors for the David Wirrpanda Foundation and is passionate about helping younger girls through the Deadly Sista Girlz Program.
Power generation. He sees the growing demand
Artist of the Year – Tony Briggs
Starting his career as an actor on Neighbours in the 1980’s, Tony Brigg’s career in the arts has gone from strength to strength. Over the past 25 years he has performed on both stage and screen, gaining a reputation as one of Australia’s leading Indigenous performers. Tony is best known for writing the award winning play ‘The Sapphires’, which was adapted for screen in 2012. He is currently working on projects for both TV and film. A true leader, Tony dedicates time to sharing his knowledge and experience by mentoring younger people in his field. Tony has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the arts and his influence stretches beyond the Indigenous community to all Australians. Scholar of the Year – Dr Mark McMillan Dr Mark McMillan is a Wiradjuri
man from Trangie in central west New South Wales. With a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, a Master of Law and a doctorate in Juridical Science, Mark was the first Indigenous person to be appointed to senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne’s Law School. He is passionate about rebuilding Indigenous Nations in Australia. He is committed to research and education that results in positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Mark has dedicated his life to extending his learning personally, professionally and academically, and continues to provide strong leadership and support to others. Mark enjoys sharing his skills and experiences with all Australians, demonstrated by his tireless involvement with communities and organisations. Apprentice of the Year – Danny Bromot Danny Bromot is a proud Yolngu man from Nhulunbuy in North East Arnhem Land. Starting his career in mining at Gove Operations Pacific Aluminium Steam Power Station in 2009, Danny completed the Advanced Boiler and Turbine Operations Tickets, and is close to completing the Certificate 3 in
for skilled workers and the future potential for employment in his region for the Yolngu people around East Arnhem Land. Balancing family, community, study and work, Danny still finds time to encourage new recruits to grasp new opportunities and make the most of them. Danny is a passionate family man, friend, mentor and an inspiration to everyone in his community. Sportsperson of the Year – Jonathan Thurston Jonathan Thurston is a rugby league superstar and is a Gungarri man from south-west Queensland.In 2006, Jonathan made his international debut for the Australian rugby league team, and won his first State of Origin with the Queensland side. He was appointed captain of the North Queensland Cowboys in 2007, captained the Indigenous All Stars in 2011 and has been named in the Indigenous Team of the Century. Off the field, Jonathan engages with school students through the Cowboys’ education-focused community programs, to promote positive messages about staying in school and working hard. Page 4