It was a full house yesterday in Stan Robinson Park next to the Byron Shire Council Chambers in Mullumbimby for the official Flag Raising Ceremony and NAIDOC Week Awards.
Arakwal elder Aunty Dulcie gave a welcome to country and the Bundjalung Dancers performed for this gathered in the park.
Seventeen awards were presented before the raising of three flag, the Aboriginal flag, the Australian flag and the flag of the Torres Straight Islands.
The ceremony was closed by the Deadly Dancers lead by Dhinawan Baker who has been working with a group the young performers from the Mullumbuimby, Brunswick Heads, Ocean Shores, Durrumbal and Pocket schools.
Awards on the day were presented to:
Elder of the year – Aunty Dulice Nicolls
Leader of the year – Yvonne Stewart
Child – Mia Thom
(Highly commended – Wyuna Baker and Ebonie Dousling)
Youth Male – Ngurung Brown
Youth Female – Minnie Manton
(Highly commended – Harley Black, Mundara Baker and Sahaj Blatt)
Aboriginal person of the Year – Darren McElroy
Artist of the Year – Nickolla Clark
Sportsperson of the Year – Dylan Kay
Educator primary – Jennah Browning
Educator Secondary – Scott Sentence
Caring for Country – Madhima Gulgun
Health Service Provider – Dr Anthony Solomon, North Coast Medical Centre
Community Group – Bronwyn Sindel, Sisters for Reconciliation
~ Photos Eve Jeffery
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