Wathaurong Co-op recognise NAIDOC award winners

THE winners of the 2022 Wathaurong Community NAIDOC Awards were announced at a special flag raising and community day to mark the start of NAIDOC Week across the region.

The Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative hosted the event at their North Geelong base on Monday for NAIDOC Week, which began on Sunday and runs until Sunday, July 10.

“This year’s NAIDOC theme, ‘Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up’, is exactly what we have been doing and will continue to do for our community,” Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive officer Simon Flagg said.

“Aboriginal history is Australian history, and we are proud of our culture and our commitment to walking together for better outcomes for our mob.”

Whether it’s seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, or sparking constitutional change, the theme encourages the process of truth-telling, working towards treaties and calling out racism in our day to day lives.

On Monday morning, the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative recognised their award recipients, honouring those who show connection to their community and radiate a positive representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This year, the Nedok Yoongga (Elders/Respected person) award had joint winners, with Uncle Alfie Oram praised for his contribution to the Co-op men’s group, while Aunty Naomo Surtees was commended for her support and advocacy for action against family violence through her work with Orange Door, a family violence support organisation.

Renee Howell was acknowledged as the (Ngarrwa Ngitj) Community Person of the Year for her commitment to her position as female liaison at Barwon Health, where she shows deep connection and community spirit.

The Koolay Goopma (Young Male Achiever) award went to Wathaurong employee Mikali Harrison who exemplified the qualities of community through his work during the pandemic to deliver food, drive to appointments and help with the vaccine rollout.

The Moordeemoondeek Goopma (Young Female Achiever) award had joint winners with Jordyn Flagg and Piper Knox applauded for their efforts.

Jordyn was endorsed for being a leader and a force of strength in her community by constantly giving back through mentoring young Aboriginal women to reach their fullest potential.

She is said to continually promote positive pathway for all young women in the region by utilising her experience of being on the Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees and working for Victoria Police.

Piper was honoured as a joint recipient of the female achiever award for her ability to be a role model for women and children through her culture and connection to country. Knox is a midwifery student specialising in Aboriginal Health and is a senior member and mentor for the younger children in Dhungala Children’s Choir.

“NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate, and the six award winners this year are incredible role models for all of the work that they do with and for our community,” Flagg said.

To find out more about the work of the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative, head to wathaurong.org.au.