Inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people recognised at Hedland NAIDOC Awards

From an inspiring young man walking to raise mental health awareness to local sport stars and inspiring elders, the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community were celebrated. The 2022 Hedland NAIDOC Awards were presented by the Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation and Hedland Aboriginal Strong Leaders on July 3 at the town’s NAIDOC Week opening ceremony. The theme of this year is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!, a statement calling for commitment from everyone to stand up for equity and justice for all. Winners of the Hedland NAIDOC Awards included Alfred Barker and Maureen Kelly in the elders category while Tim Brahim and Nora Cooke received the culture awards. Nanna Tullock was the recipient of a special award in recognition of outstanding service to Hedland Aboriginal Strong Leaders. The Karlukarlu Male award went to Rowan Dann and the Karlukarlu category was awarded to Rickiesha Deegan. Male sports award went to Mitchell Galby and the female sports award went to Tamara Simpson. Julyardi chair Alfred Barker said the awards honour achievements by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the Hedland community. “The Hedland NAIDOC Awards are the chance every year to showcase contributions of inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to thank them for their commitment to our community, to our culture and to our country,” he said.