The winners of this year’s City of Coffs Harbour Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards have been named as part of National NAIDOC Week celebrations.
The presentation ceremony hosted by the Council and the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee capped an historic day at the local start of NAIDOC Week celebrations as hundreds poured through Yarrila Place for welcoming speeches, a flag raising, live performance, giveaways, a Housing Forum and Expo and guided tours of the Harry Bailey Memorial Library and Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM).
The awards ceremony marked the grand finale of the festivities, with 50 finalists recognised in this, the 50th year of National NAIDOC Week.
“It was a fabulous celebration of community for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people,” said Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“I stand in awe of the achievements and application of so many who work tirelessly for their community.”
City Planning and Communities Acting Director, Luke Perry said the host of events at Yarrila Place cemented the building’s position as a welcoming gathering place for community.
“To have so many here today is a source of pride. There were big numbers at all of the curated events – from the YAM and library tours through to the dancers, formal speeches and awards,” he said.
“This year’s NAIDOC theme is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, so it was particularly pleasing to see so many youngsters involved.”
The highest accolade, the Grace Roberts Memorial Community Development Award, was won by to Cylie Brown. Ms Brown supports a cohort of young people through the Transition To Work program within Mission Australia.
Other major award winners were:
Aunty Award – Aunty Heather Duncan and Aunty Shirley Duroux
Aunty Heather is the Team Leader of the Orara High School NASCA Academy (National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy), and Aunty Shirley is heavily involved in cultural and arts activities.
Uncle Award – Uncle Bryce Filewood (deceased)
Uncle Bryce was an advocate and mentor for young Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students at many schools around Gumbaynggirr Country.
Aboriginal Community Organisation or Business of the Year Award – Waagay Biliinyjarl and Yarrawarra Arts
Waagay Biliinyjarl runs cultural camps and teaches culture and history working with youth and carers. Yarrawarra Arts is one of Coffs Harbour’s cultural gems, organising a program of exhibitions, workshops and gatherings.
Sports Achievement Award – Cara Reeves
Cara is a passionate advocate for her peers, promoting the benefits of the Special Olympics movement.
Arts and Cultural Achievement Award – Ebony Davies
Ebony has been singing, dancing and acting on stage since age nine. She represented Australia at Atlanta in the ‘Aussie Allstar’ event, has trained with Broadway professionals in New York and won the ‘Voice of the Ocean’ cruise competition.
Youth of the Year Award – Deedee Dickson-Lockwood
Deedee is a natural leader, and an active and respected member of the Bongil Bongil Youth Collective where she serves in the role of Arts Representative.
The Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards have grown each year to become a major event for the Coffs Coast.
“The five days of NAIDOC Week activities in Coffs Harbour are inclusive and provide an opportunity to formally recognise some of the legends and emerging leaders in our local Aboriginal community,” Mayor Williams said.
