Achievers honoured in 2005 NAIDOC Awards
8 July 2005
Ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievers have been recognised for their outstanding work and contribution to Australia – in particular for their work within Indigenous communities as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations.
The ten Award winners were honoured last night, at the star-studded National NAIDOC Award Ceremony and Ball in Adelaide, which featured entertainers Shakaya, Casey Donovan and Coloured Stone and a host of other entertainers and celebrities.
The eight Award categories, and winners were:
- Lifetime achievement Award; Arthur Murray (NSW).
- Person of the Year (Male); Rodney Dillon (Tas).
- Person of the Year (Female); Cheryl Buchanan (Qld).
- Sportsperson of the Year; Pam Pedersen (Vic).
- Apprentice of the Year; Kimaree Maynard (SA).
- Scholar of the Year; Simon Forrest (WA).
- Youth of the Year; Joleen Ryan (Vic).
- Elder of the Year (Female); Mary Jane Ware (SA).
- Elder of the year (Male); Albert Holt (Qld).
- Artist of the Year; Kerrianne Cox (WA).
Interim National NAIDOC Committee Chairperson, Tauto Sansbury said once again the winners show the incredible work and contribution that Indigenous people make to the community.
“The winners are an inspiration, not only to the Indigenous community, but also to the wider Australian community. We all benefit from their work,” he said.
“These people are the quiet achievers who go about the business of making life better for their Indigenous Australians and they deserve to be applauded.” Profiles on individuals who received awards are available from the Media Officer.
Under the theme Our future begins with solidarity, NAIDOC, 3-10 July, is being celebrated in cities, towns and remote communities across the country. Adelaide is the host city for National NAIDOC activities./
For more information on NAIDOC go to www.naidoc.org.au
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