2023 NAIDOC AWARDS

redeveloping the site to get a more modern outcome and greater yield for the site.

“We are actively seeking for both this and other opportunities to improve and enhance our existing stock and encourage affordable housing development within our region for key workers, in whatever way we can,” said Council’s Director Planning Environment & Communities Jessica Rippon.

“We want to make sure the [affordable home] resident isn’t displaced from the community but what is clear to us is that it’s time to think differently and to work with lots of partners to achieve the kind of aspirational goals this report demands.”

Roger Stephan, CEO, Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation said, “The councils I represent are invested in finding solutions to the regional housing shortage, and in this they must be supported by the state government and the wider community.”

Warrigal CEO Jenni Hutchins said, “My organisation is now providing housing for our workers, so we know well the impact the current housing crisis is having. Our staff support the most vulnerable members of the community and work in shifts, so it is imperative that we can provide safe, local accommodation to meet their needs.”

Housing Trust CEO Michele Adair said, “We need a commitment from each level of government to help deliver more affordable rental housing, faster and more collaboratively with the private and not-for-profit sectors. We need additional investment, planning reform, and where possible, partnerships on their landholdings.”

Natalie Allan, MMJ Real Estate Business Operations Manager said, “There is a pivotal role to be played in community education and engagement to overcome concerns surrounding infill development. By focusing on selecting appropriate areas with proximity to transportation and essential services, we can ensure well-planned growth that serves the best interests of the community.”

Jennifer Macquarie, Chair, Property Council of Australia (Illawarra) said, “The current planning system is overly complex and in dire need of reform. The state gov- ernment has recently taken some welcome steps that will have a positive impact in our region, but in this report we are urging them to go further.”

Ms Macquarie adds, “Of the four LGAs covered by this report, Kiama is the least affordable location to either buy or rent a home. This presents a significant challenge for attracting and retaining lower to middle income workers in the aged care, retail, hospitality and tourism sectors that make up such a significant part of Kiama’s economy.

“The Property Council appreciates Kiama Council’s commitment to identifying solutions to this problem, in particular the possibility of building Affordable Housing on Council owned land adjacent to Bombo quarry and the opportunity for housing density and diversity within the quarry itself when that is eventually developed.

“It will take a number of years before these projects will deliver new housing, and in the meantime we encourage Council to review its internal assessment processes and its planning documents to enable the industry to deliver smaller, more affordable housing options in a more efficient manner within Kiama LGA. We are keen to collaborate with Council on these initiatives and trust that this will be treated as a priority given the urgency of the affordable housing issue in the LGA and the region.”

by Donna Portland

Kiama Council hosted the Regional NAIDOC Awards ceremony at the Kiama Pavilion on Saturday 29 July with attendees showing off their best black tie and glamour outfits.

The ceremony has been hosted by the four local councils in the Illawarra area for more than 10 years with duties rotating between councils each year, and 2023 was Kiama’s turn.

Very much styled like a glamourous TV awards show ceremony, the entertainment included local Gumaraa dancers.

Sponsors include Bluescope, Big Fat Smile, Lendlease at Calderwood, Southern Youth and Family Services, Bernardo’s, New Ageing and Disability Commission, Murra Southern Hire, Pademelon Press, ECTARC (Early Childhood Education Services and Training) and Fiona Phillips, Federal Member for Gilmore.

Aunty Jodie Stewart created the artwork used for the 2023 NAIDOC awards. The

Painting is called ‘Where the Mountains Meet the Sea.’

Winners on the night were:

Young Achiever of the Year

Emma McMahon.

Emma McMahon is a 19-year-old Wiradjuri woman from the Shoalhaven.

She is currently studying a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Wollongong, alongside a Diploma in Community Services.

Young Achiever of the Year of Central New South Wales, currently living on Dharawal Country down in Gerringong.She has volunteered her time advocating for changes to NDIS packages, to ensure elderly people have increased access to health, fitness and wellbeing programs.

Community Representative of the Year Richard Adler.

Richard is a deadly role model down in the Shoalhaven. He’s shown an incredible commitment to his work with the South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation.

Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation Tullimbar Public School

Amelia Wall

Amelia Wall is a proud Kamilaroi Woman living and learning on Dharawal Country. She works with First Nations students on their learning plans, she runs cultural programs and helped develop the Minnamurra Public School Koori Kids Club.

Organisation /Project of the Year Coomaditchie

United Aboriginal Corporation

Coomaditchie has worked in the Illawarra community for the past 30 years. The organisation is dedicated to raising self-esteem, pride and dignity among young Aboriginal people.

Current projects include:

• Ngarramurra - a program for high school children who are at risk of non-completion;

• The Homework Centre for primary school children;

• Deadly Women and Deadly kids;

• A community garden, and

• a social enterprise program which creates opportunities for local Aboriginal artists of all ages to generate an income.

Community Volunteer of the Year Korin Koutsominhalis.

Korin is a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri people

Tullimbar Public School’s RAP Team has been recognised for their innovative programs and initiatives including cultural awareness workshops, Aboriginal language classes, and embedding reconciliation into Rthe very fabric of Tullimbar Public School’s ethos.

Aboriginal Elder of the Year - Uncle Tom Brown

Uncle Tom is a born and bred at Wreck Bay down in the Shoalhaven.He loves to make things with his hands and enjoys combing the beach to collect shells for his art.

Aboriginal Elder of the Year Aunty - Annette Lonesborough

Aunty Annette is a Jerrinja woman who recently retired from working for the Aboriginal Legal Service in Nowra as the Office Manager for over 30 years. Aunty Annette was recognised for her lifelong commitment and passion for helping members of her community.

The Regional NAIDOC awards cover the Illawarra area and are supported by Kiama, Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Shoalhaven Council as well as the Aboriginal Affairs NSW Department.

More than 200 members of the local Aboriginal community attended as well as elected local councillors, and members of the wider community including, government, corporate community sectors.

by Mark Whalan