More than 70 Aboriginal Elders from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities attended the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards 2024 on Saturday night, 28 July.

Shoalhaven City Council hosted this year’s awards ceremony, themed ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Black, Loud and Proud’, in collaboration with the councils of Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong.

The celebrations attracted more than 400 people to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.

Welcome to Country during the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards 2024. Credit Smith Media.

“Witnessing the incredible award winners, local talent and the renowned performers take to the stage was truly inspiring,” said Mayor of Shoalhaven Amanda Findley in a media release.

“The NAIDOC Awards recognise the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations and businesses.”

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.

Photo credit: Smith Media.

The evening also featured Shelley Ware as the MC, performances by the local cultural organisation Gadhungal Marring, Jiah King and performances by headline act Dan Sultan.