NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR REGIONAL NAIDOC AWARDS

Do you know an individual, organisation, or business from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who is making a significant difference?

Whether they have served as an inspirational role model or achieved something remarkable, their contributions deserve recognition.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards being held at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Saturday July 26.

Caption: 2024 Young Achiever of the Year Kealen Blattner (left) posing with his mum, aunties, and uncles. Image courtesy of Shoalhaven City Council.

Winner of the 2024 Young Achiever of the Year Kealan Blattner said: “Winning young achiever of the year was a huge honour and something I will forever be proud of,” Blattner said.

“It felt great to be recognised for the hard work I have put in to supporting our community. More than anything, it meant a lot to me and my family as I come from a strong family who have lived and worked in our community for many years and I am privileged to be able to carry their legacy.”

Award categories include Elder of the Year (Aunty and Uncle), Community Member of the Year, Young Achievers of the Year (two awards), Caring for Country and Culture, Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year and Organisation of the Year (Not-for-Profit or Business).

The award for Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation is open to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal candidates.

“Please take the time to consider the many individuals and groups in our community doing incredible things, so these great people, organisations and businesses can be honoured properly,’’ Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said.

The regional NAIDOC Awards are organised collaboratively by local councils Shellharbour, Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven, with Shellharbour having the honour of hosting this year’s event.

Caption: Kealan Blattner said winning young achiever of the year was ‘a huge honour’. Image courtesy of Shoalhaven City Council.

NAIDOC Week will be celebrated across the nation from July 6-13, marking 50 years of the week-long event.

This year's NAIDOC theme is 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy', celebrating achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.

Nominations can be made several ways; either completing the form online, downloading and emailing a form, dropping off in person or mailing it to a local Council office (Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven or Wollongong).

Nominations for the NAIDOC awards close at 11:55pm on Sunday 16 March 2025.

View the complete nomination guide on Council’s webpage.

For more information please contact:
Melissa Ritchie – Shellharbour City Council 0467 250 884 mediaenquiries@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au