Aunty Patty Morris and Aunty Kathy Donnelly are two Elders in New South Wales making a difference for Aboriginal kids and families, in the justice system, in their organisations, in their communities and around the state.
The pair were recognised for their work as joint-winners by AbSec - the state's peak body for Indigenous children and families, at their NSW Aboriginal Child and Family Awards
Organisations, educators, health workers and community leaders were honoured across 10 categories on Tuesday night, acknowledging volunteer work, industry practice-shapers and carers driving positive outcomes.
Aunty Patty and Aunty Kathy couldn't be split for Deadly Advocate of the Year.
Invested in community, Aunty Patty is an active panel member within the Circle Sentencing Program in Wagga Wagga, delivered by the Department of Communities and Justice's Aboriginal Services Unit.
AbSec acknowledges her role in changing Judicial officers and Police Prosecutors' perspectives through education on challenges confronted by Aboriginal people in the justice system, and driving successes in reaching culturally appropriate outcomes.
With a background in juvenile justice and education, Aunty Patty was also acknowledged for her dedication to a number of other community causes and held events.
"I'd just like to thank everyone, and I appreciate it", she said of her recognition.
Non-profit Wesley Mission delivers a range of services, including child and family services, youth mentoring, support in community housing, disabilities, homelessness, drug and alcohol, and crisis support to employment assistance and aged care social clubs.
With the charity, Aunty Kathy is Reconciliation Action Lead, led the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory group, and played a key role developing a Reconciliation Action Plan.
Primarily, Aunty Kathy's recognition comes for guiding Wesley's work supporting Indigenous children and families, with culturally-safe practice informed with trauma awareness and experience.
"It belongs as much to our families and communities as it does to me," she said of her recognition at AbSec's awards.
"Everything I do is guided by the strength, resilience and cultural wisdom our Elders have carried and passed down.
"This honour reminds me why we keep pushing for change so every Aboriginal child grows up safe, proud and connected, surrounded by people who see them, hear them and stand with them."
Aunty Kathy has also worked building leadership pathways and to increase employment opportunities for identified Aboriginal roles.
"Aunty Kathy has changed how we listen to Aboriginal families, how we design services and how we ensure cultural respect is embedded at every level," Wesley Mission chief executive Rev. Stu Cameron said.
Rev. Cameron added her impact has been felt throughout the sector, and Aunty Kathy's work "has been widely recognised as setting a new benchmark for cultural integrity and system reform grounded in truth-telling, cultural strength and long-term change".
Dubbo TAFE was awarded Early Educator of the Year, Burrun Dalai Aboriginal Corporation in Kemsey ACCO of the year.
For his work in clinical and therapeutic care for Aboriginal children, and within Burrun Dalai's services, Dr Alberto Veloso was honoured with the Walking Together Award.
Dubbo Regional Legal Aid Aboriginal Field Officer Cammy Skuthorpe received the Legal and Justice of the Year award, Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation's Myimbarr Permanency Support Program team leader Fiona Frith Practicioner of the Year, and secondary educator and local volunteer utilising sport Solest Montgomery named Community Member of the Year.
Lorraine Warnick is an authorised carer for two young brothers, one with complex medical and disability support needs.
AbSec recognised Ms Warnick as a "fierce advocate" for the boys, facilitating direct family time and their cultural needs.
She was awarded Carer of the Year.
For her work as a mentor for Aboriginal school boarders, recognised as a kind "big sister" Dezi Magann-Jones was named young person of the year.
AbSec's 2025 Gala Dinner and Awards Night was hosted on Worimi Country in Williamtown, Port Stephens, with the theme: Honour the Past, Empower the Present, Shape the Future.
