Seventeen year old Kiama High School student, Alira Morgan, has been named Aboriginal Young Achiever of the Year (female) at the Local Government Regional 2022 NAIDOC Awards for her ongoing efforts to promote indigenous language, art and dance.

Alira was nominated for this award for her performances of the Kiama Song - a song she wrote involving a dreamtime story about Bombo Headland - at schools and NAIDOC events, as well as participating in dance and expressing culture at different events with her family.

“This award shows me that the work and effort I’ve put in has been appreciated,” Alira says.

“I am expressing culture in a way that allows me to express myself at the same time and do something that I love.”

The Young Achievers Award is handed out to young people for expressing and teaching culture. The male Award was won by Aodhan (Aidan Whitehall) of Tullimbar.

“Receiving this award was a big deal for me. I really appreciate it and am very grateful for everyone who nominated me,” Alira says.

“I hope to open other young people's eyes to encourage them to gain confidence and be proud of their culture."

The Awards are a joint initiative of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven councils.

The other 2022 regional award winners were:

• Aboriginal Elder of the Year (Female): Aunty Jodie Stewart
• Aboriginal Elder of the Year (Male): Uncle Peter Button
• Aboriginal Community Representative of the Year: Dr Jodi Edwards
• Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year: Julie Street-Smith
• Aboriginal Organisation of the Year: Illawarra Koori Men's Support Group
• Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal or Non-Aboriginal): Cleone Wellington and Hayley Longbottom.