The importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages is the focus of national – and local – celebrations marking NAIDOC Week 2017.
Council and members of the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee officially opened Coffs Harbour’s NAIDOC Week celebrations with the Official Flag Raising Ceremony and Morning Tea at the Council Chambers today (Monday, 3 July).
The ceremony also gave Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight, the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements and hard work of the Aboriginal community through the Grace Roberts Memorial Community Development Awards.
“The Grace Roberts Awards aim to recognise the contribution that local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples contribute to our community as a whole,” said Cr Knight. “Each nominee and winner is special because they’ve been recognised for their accomplishments by the community, their peers, their friends and their families. These Awards are an ideal way of highlighting just some of the achievements and excellent work being carried out by members of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities.”
This year’s winners were:
Grace Roberts Memorial Community Development Award
Sue Tomkins
Aboriginal Community Organisation or Business of the Year Award
Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan
Academic Achievement Award
Jasmine Hovermann
Sports Achievement Award
Cassey Lynwood
Arts and Cultural Pursuits Achievement Award
Tony Dootson
Youth of the Year Award
Charlotte Bedford
There are many activities on offer during NAIDOC Week 2017. Find out more.
