2019 National NAIDOC Awards Recipients
The National NAIDOC Awards have been presented in Canberra recognising the significant achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair John Paul Janke said the prestigious annual awards are the premier opportunity to showcase Indigenous excellence.
“These awards honour outstanding achievements at the community, national and international level,” Mr Janke said.
“They celebrate our past, our present and our future and individuals’ unwavering determination and work enrich our communities.
“These awards are the longest running and only truly national Indigenous Awards of their kind.
“Over the decades, this night has grown into a star-studded glamorous night that suitably celebrates ten inspirational individuals working in our communities,” Mr Janke said.
Co-Chair Patricia Thompson said 2019’s winners join some 270 recipients honoured since 1985.
“The National NAIDOC Awards show the breadth of the inspiring work happening around the country in art, music, sport, language, education, employment, training, community empowerment and environmental and cultural preservation,” Ms Thompson said.
“This year’s recipients and the awards themselves are going from strength to strength and serve as an inspiration not only for our Nations’ First Peoples, but all Australians.”
The 2019 National NAIDOC Awards recipients are:
- Person of the Year – Dean Duncan
- Lifetime Achievement Award – David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu, AM
- Female Elder of the Year – Thelma Weston
- Male Elder of the Year – Greg Little
- Caring for Country – Littlewell Working Group
- Youth of the Year – Mi-kaisha Masella
- Artist of the Year – Elma Gada Kris
- Scholar of the Year – Professor Michael McDaniel
- Apprentice of the Year – Ganur Maynard
- Sportsperson of the Year – Shantelle Thompson
Read more about the 2019 National NAIDOC Award winners.
View the photos from the 2019 National NAIDOC Awards.