East Kimberley Aboriginal Achievement Awards – 2013 Winners
30 September 2013
On Saturday 21 September, over 300 nominees, sponsors and special guests attended the 2013 East Kimberley Aboriginal Achievement Awards. Held under the stars at the Kununurra Country Club, this biennial event builds public awareness of the positive contributions made by Aboriginal people within the community and provides a platform upon which to recognise and celebrate the achievements of quiet achievers and leaders from across the region.
Showcasing their success and providing inspiration for our young people to aim high and achieve their dreams are the following 2013 winners:-
JUNIOR OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT
IVAN WILSON
“As an Aboriginal member of KDHS and wider Kununurra community, Ivan has been an excellent role model for his peers through his diligent performance in the workplace, at Kimberley Training Institute, his agricultural work with Outback Training and finally at KDHS. Ivan’s goals include pursuing an apprenticeship in Kununurra and becoming a financially independent young man, both goals well within his reach”
JUNIOR PERSON OF THE YEAR
BRENDA FLETCHER
“Brenda has created a well rounded life as a young Aboriginal woman living in western society by balancing life with education, family and cultural commitments. Brenda has won numerous awards including the 2013 Kimberley Group Training Excellence Award for ‘School-Based Trainee of the Year’ and has become a confident young woman who has a very bright future ahead of her.”
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
JANELLE TCHOOGA
“Janelle is the first person from Ringer Soak to get a qualification after completing the Certificate III in Business Administration. Janelle overcame many obstacles to complete her traineeship including overcoming the challenge of finding care for her son whilst commuting to Argyle Diamond Mine for work and Kununurra for her studies”
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT
RAPHAEL SAMPI
“Raphael is acknowledged for having an outstanding positive influence on young students whilst attending Clontarf Academy in Broome. A member of the 2011 and 2012 Cable Beach Football Club premiership team, Raphael returned to Warmun where he continues to have a positive influence on young children and adolescents. He is currently a member of the Warmun Eagles Football Club and is in preparation for recruitment to Claremont Football Club.”
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION TO ARTS & CULTURE
LENA NYADBI
“As one of the ‘Second wave’ of Warmun artists, Lena first began painting in 1998 and has, over the years, developed into a highly original painter and a senior figure in the Australian art scene. In 2006 Lena was one of eight artists invited to contribute works towards the exterior façade of the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris and in 2013 having her Barramundi Dreaming recreated in monumental scale on the museum rooftop.”
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION TO FAMILY/COMMUNITY LIFE
GEORGE LEE
George is a very committed member of his community and is always seeking to support and promote opportunities for young people. George promotes positive behavior and active participation in numerous avenues such as the Young Men Diversionary Project in Balgo.
OUTSTANDING ORGANISATION/PROGRAM CONTRIBUTING TO COMMUNITY LIFE
WARINGARRI MEDIA ABORIGINAL CORPORATION
A not-for-profit community organisation, Waringarri Media has been entertaining the East Kimberley for the past 25 years whilst focusing on good health, local leadership, culture and positive lifestyle messages. Their specialist programs include “Staying Healthy in the Kimberley, let’s talk Mirriwoong, Better Homes and KDHS Crunch Time” that are a great service and contribution to the community”
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION TO ABORIGINAL EDUCATION
CHRISTINE WILLIAMS
“An AEIO at Wyndham District High School since 1998, Ms Christine Williams is an outstanding example of how one person can have a positive influence on not only the students and her colleagues but also the wider community. Christine has worked tirelessly within her classroom, the school and local community to forge and maintain positive working relationships between students, staff and the community”
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO ABORIGINAL EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
JIM LEWIS- CROSS COUNTRY CONTRACTING
“Through his business in Wyndham, Jim has employed and trained a 100% Aboriginal workforce to not only successfully run a complex contract, but expand it. Jim not only spends time and energy developing his workforce, he is also involved in the betterment of his community and people in a multitude of ways. Jim is a truly inspiring Gija man”
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
CELESTE HUNTER
“Celeste Hunter is a quiet achiever who moved through her employment with Wunan from the receptionist to the Executive Assistant to the Chairman, Ian Trust. Celeste has a natural sense of responsibility and her commitment to her job, her colleagues and her family is to be commended. Celeste has also mentored many trainee’s in her time at Wunan with patience and firm guidance.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
BRIAN BOLAND- TIDAL TYRES & BATTERIES
“In planning for a few years, Brian Boland saw a need for a new business in Wyndham after the closure of a prominent business that supplies vehicle services. He’s built up his clientele from 10 a month to 15 a day, a testament to his skills and hard work. He has now expanded his tyre and batteries business to windscreen repairs. His business has grown into a professional and reliable service in town”
NON ABORIGINAL PERSON OF THE YEAR CONTRIBUTING TO INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS
DANIEL AKINSHOLA
“Daniel is a Nigerian man who lives in Halls Creek where he helps Aboriginal people in the community and beyond through his role as CEO at the Radio Station. He works long hours and is very committed to his roles in the community. He does this by promoting health on the radio and teaching others but also learning about Aboriginal issues in the community”
PERSON OF THE YEAR
PHILOMENA HUNTER
“Philomena Hunter was nominated for her outstanding all round qualities as a colleague, family person and community member. Philomena is described as intelligent, loyal, compassionate, cheerful and good humored. She’s a member of the St Joseph’s Board and Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal Corp- the main service provider in town.”
ELDER OF THE YEAR
PAULINE MANNING
“From Moolabulla Pauline Manning by her very nature helps unite people in her belief we can only make real change through respect and open communication. Pauline has been working across the community on a daily basis for nearly 60 years and has been seen defending women who have been denied access to public toilets, organizing business training and continuing to challenge herself and others. Pauline demonstrates this by her own everyday actions.”