Kiama Council hosted a wonderful 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.

She was awarded for her work with Aboriginal Programs Team at Noah's Inclusion Services.

Young Achiever of the Year - 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 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

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 the 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.

Photo: Beverley Ardler accepting the award on behalf of Uncle Tom Brown

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.

Photo: Hayley Longbottom accepting the award on Aunty Annette's behalf

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.