Nominations are now open to recognise the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a special COVID-delayed 2020/2021 Upper Hunter NAIDOC Week Awards.
Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore joined the Chairperson of the Upper Hunter NAIDOC Week Awards Committee aunty Jean Hands and other representatives of committee to officially launch the awards this morning.
The awards are held every two years and are shared between Singleton and Muswellbrook to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of the Upper Hunter.
Cr Moore said applications were invited across 19 categories for individuals or organisations who live or work in the Singleton, Muswellbrook or Upper Hunter local government areas until 4 June 2021. The categories include:
• Apprentice of the Year
• Artist of the Year
• Elder of the Year (Male + Female)
• Posthumous Award
• Professional Achievement (Male + Female)
• Junior Scholar of the Year (Male + Female)
• Senior Scholar of the Year (Male + Female)
• Junior Sportsperson (Male + Female)
• Senior Sportsperson (Male + Female)
• Volunteer of the Year (Male + Female)
• Youth of the Year
• Community Contribution
Winners will be announced at a special presentation evening during NAIDOC Week on Friday 9 July 2021.
“These awards have become an important way to celebrate the contribution and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community,” Cr Moore said.
“Best of all, they showcase the diversity of fields in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people excel – from apprentices and artists to sportspeople and scholars, culminating in the major Community Contribution award.
“The awards also reflect the pride of people in our community and culture, and the important ways we are coming together.
“I encourage anyone who knows someone who fits the criteria for these awards to nominate them, and I look forward to seeing who will be celebrated and what they have achieved at the awards night.”
How to enter
Nomination forms may be downloaded from www.singleton.nsw.gov.au or hard copies are available on request.
Completed nomination forms can be submitted by email to admin@wanaruahlandcouncil.com.au or posted or delivered in person to:
Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Land Council
PO Box 127 or 19 Maitland Road, Muswellbrook NSW 2333
Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation
157 John Street, Singleton NSW 2330
Singleton Council
12-14 Queen Street, Singleton
PO Box 314 Singleton NSW 2330
Upper Hunter Shire Council
135 Liverpool Street, Scone
34-40 Vennacher Street, Merriwa
47 Mayne Street, Murrurundi
For more information, contact Singleton Council on 02 6578 7290.
Image credit: Roy Palmer from the Upper Hunter NAIDOC Week Awards Committee, Deputy Mayor Tony Jarrett, Mayor of Singleton Cr Sue Moore, Upper Hunter NAIDOC Week Awards Committee chairperson aunty Jean Hands, Singleton Council Community Planner David Baker and Singleton Council Director Organisation and Community Capacity Vicki Brereton.
Media release and image: courtesy of Singleton Council