The National NAIDOC Committee proudly announced this year's finalists for the National NAIDOC Week Awards on Thursday.
Chosen from near 200 nominees, these individuals "embody the spirit of NAIDOC, a week long celebration of Indigenous excellence".
National NAIDOC Committee co-Chair Dr Lynette Riley said the Committee is "very fortunate to be able to read the stories of so many of our people who are achieving remarkable results and working tirelessly to support their communities".
"It is an honour to be entrusted with selecting these incredible finalists," she said.
Fellow co-Chair, Steven Satour said the Awards "seek to recognise and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who really understand their community and work to create positive change".
"Each year we receive nominations from all over the Country, from big cities to small communities, and today we pay tribute to every single one of those people," he said.
2023 National NAIDOC Week Awards Finalists:
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
• Aunty Dr Naomi Mayers OAM
Person Award Category
• Professor Kelvin Kong
• Murrawah Johnson
• Megan Krakouer
Female Elder Award Category
• Dr Aunty Bilawara Lee
• Aunty Dr Matilda House-Williams
• Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM
Male Elder Award Category
• Pastor Dennis Phillip Jetta OAM
• Tom Slockee
• William Tilmouth
Youth Award Category
• Brodie Murray
• Courtney Burns
• Mitchell Harrison-Currie
Innovation Award Category
• Dr Rhett Loban
• Daniel Motlop
• Passing the Message Stick
Education Award Category
• Aurora Education Foundation
• Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre
• Professor Jacinta Elston
Creative Talent Award Category
• Aaron Fa'Aoso
• Dr Anita Heiss
• Rachel Perkins
Sportsperson Award Category
• Ash Gardner
• Donnell Wallam
• Indi Cooper
Caring for Country and Culture Award Category
• Lala Gutchen
• METRONET Noongar Reference Group
• Talei Elu
The National NAIDOC Committee "takes pride" in declaring Aunty Dr. Naomi Mayers OAM, a proud and highly regarded Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman, as the distinguished recipient of the 2023 National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award.
She stands as a prominent figure in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and was a founding member of the groundbreaking music ensemble, The Sapphires.
During her career, Dr Mayers has dedicated herself to the betterment of Indigenous health as well as health reform. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Redfern Aboriginal Medical Services, a model that has been widely embraced by community controlled health services throughout the country.
Dr Naomi's efforts are recognised as she continues to foster a healthier and brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
National NAIDOC Week Award winners will be announced at the National NAIDOC Week Award Ceremony on Saturday 1 July 2023 with tickets being available in early June.
