Six awards recognise contributions

Senior and junior award winners at the Coffs Harbour City Council.

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NAIDOC Week awards have been expanding over the years, creating more categories to recognise the valuable contributions local indigenous Australians make to our community.

At the awards ceremony yesterday there were six winners and also a number of Highly Commended Awards.

Aboriginal educational officer at Toormina High School Judith Peen received a Highly Commended Award for Excellence in Education.

“I work and liaise with the kids and local community and am also studying a Bachelor of Indigenous Studies,” Ms Peen said.

“I’m half way through the degree and plan to do a Diploma of Education and teach Aboriginal history.”

Ms Peen said she’d love to teach in remote areas and would like to see Aboriginal languages and history taught in all schools.

“I think Aboriginal language and history should be a compulsory subject at school,” she said.

Tyson Ferguson received a Highly Commended Award for Art and Culture Pursuits.

The 21-year-old is a language teacher at the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language Centre and is an administration and cultural officer for the Saltwater Fresh Water Arts Alliance.

“I’ve been learning Gumbaynggir for six years and have taught the language at schools from

Corindi to Nambucca Heads over the years.”

While one award ceremony finished another was launched.

Nominations for the Grace

Roberts Award officially opened yesterday.

Visit the council’s website for more details: www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au.

NAIDOC Award Winners

Excellence in Education

Senior: Cheryl Soderlund

Junior: Makayla Hoskins

Art and Culture Pursuits

Senior: Wendy Craig

Junior: Sienna McDonald

Achievement in Sport

Senior: Bigibillas Women’s

Basketball Team

Junior: Nathan Cunningham