The Blak Carpet has rolled out in the Red Centre to recognise and celebrate individual excellence and leadership among First Nations people.
The annual NAIDOC awards ceremony took place at the Alice Springs Convention Centre on Saturday night.
Celebrated artist Kaylene Whiskey won the coveted creative talent award, having taken her joyous and unique art style to the world and gained international recognition for it.
Another artistic powerhouse, Aunty Rhoda Roberts, was posthumously awarded a lifetime achievement gong for her role as an actor, producer, director, adviser and artistic director shaping Australia’s cultural landscape.
The first Aboriginal woman to head a Commonwealth government department and the person of the year winner, Aunty Pat Turner, pushed for Indigenous voices being central to shaping Indigenous policy.
The female elder of the year award went to Aboriginal health pioneer Christine Corby for championing culturally appropriate health care, while the male elder of the year, writer Stephen Hagan, has dedicated himself to tackling racial discrimination.
Sportsperson of the year Caitlyn Costello co-captained the Australian Defence Force women’s rugby team in England, earning herself the most valuable player and players’ player awards.
Youth award winner Tyson Neal-Edwards uses running as a platform to advocate for better health outcomes, and fights for resilience and cultural protection.
The education award winner, Brisbane's Murri School, and the winner of the Innovation Award, the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, were recognised for their culturally grounded approaches to education.
All the winners and finalists showed the depth of strength, diversity and excellence in First Nations people across the country, National NAIDOC Committee co-chair, Aunty Lynette Riley said.
“I am continually inspired by their passion, commitment and drive in their respective fields," she said.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
