With the annual NAIDOC Awards fast approaching, Kiama Council is encouraging the community to place their nominations which will recognise outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our region.

The Awards acknowledge their talents, excellence and significant contributions.

After the success of local Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week events, Mayor Neil Reilly says it is an ideal time to consider those who deserve recognition.

“In the spirit of those events, let’s now turn our minds to those indigenous people, be it neighbours, family friends, workmates or teammates,” says Mayor Reilly.

“You can make a nomination based of their achievements in their own right, as an individual or an organisation, young or old, for their work or volunteering efforts.”

Last year’s Award ceremony recognised 17 year old Kiama High School student Alira Morgan as the Aboriginal Young Achiever of the Year (female) [Alira recognised as Young Achiever].

She was awarded for her ongoing efforts to promote indigenous language, art and dance.

There are five additional categories in the Award’s including Aboriginal Elders of the Year, Aboriginal Worker of the Year, Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year, Aboriginal Organisation of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal or Non-Aboriginal).

The Awards are a joint initiative of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven councils.

Make a nomination via Council’s website before Sunday 30 June. The Awards ceremony will be hosted at Kiama Pavilion on 29 July.