Didgeridoo and dance, fine food and family fun, and a host of awards turned Eden’s Jigamy Farm into a colourful community hub last Saturday night, for the Twofold Aboriginal Corporation’s NAIDOC Awards night.
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Twofold Aboriginal Corporation program manager Alison Simpson said the evening was in recognition of achievement within the Aboriginal community.
“We live in a vibrant and active community with many of our Aboriginal people making great contributions through the area of music, visual and performing art, culture, community, education, environment, sport, employment and politics,” Ms Simpson said on Monday.
“The Twofold Aboriginal Corporation’s NAIDOC Awards night is where we celebrated this success.”
Ms Simpson said the night attracted over one hundred people, and she congratulated all of the nominees and winners of the awards.
Those winning awards were Pastor Ossie Cruse, awarded Elder of the Year (sponsored by Twofold Aboriginal Corporation), Nathan Lygon, awarded Youth of the Year (sponsored by Campbell Page), and Jaylah Mundy, awarded Junior Person of the Year (sponsored by Campbell Page).
“The Community Contribution Award (sponsored by Eden Motor Group) was won by AJ & N Oysters, Brad Chalker won Scholar of the Year (sponsored by the University of Wollongong), and Shakaya Simpson won Sportsperson of the Year (sponsored by Wandarma Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Service),” Ms Simpson said.
Sue Norman, archivist with the Cultural Centre, received an Appreciation Award (sponsored by the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council), Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council Land and Sea Country Coordinator Les Kosez won a Quiet Achievement Award (sponsored by Campbell Page), and Shaquille Aldridge won Artist of the Year (sponsored by Robert Smith Furniture).
“Local Koori dancers led by Shaquille Aldridge with Nathan Lygon playing the didgeridoo were outstanding, with the added touch of a smoking ceremony,” Ms Simpson said.
Music also filled the domed dining hall of the Cultural Centre, courtesy of Twofold Aboriginal Corporation’s CEO Chris Bird and maintenance coordinator Martin Chabrier playing in their duo ‘Chabby Bird’.
Chelsea Atkins played original ballads accompanied by Nathan Lygon, with a two course meal provided by Twofold Aboriginal Corporation.
“It was a great opportunity to recognise the great work that goes on in the community, and recognise the people who work hard out in the community,” Ms Simpson said.
“Whilst we can only acknowledge the nine winners we know there are many more people out there doing fine things, so we hope that next year the event will be even bigger and we will have more nominations.”
