On Saturday 26 July 2025 the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards celebrated and acknowledged local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.  

The Regional NAIDOC Awards is an annual event hosted by four partner Councils – Shellharbour, Kiama, Wollongong and Shoalhaven - and each year it seeks to acknowledge and celebrate local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, businesses and organisations. More than 70 Aboriginal Elders from the Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities attended the event that attracted over 350 people to the Shellharbour Civic Centre. 

The 2025 National NAIDOC theme is “The next generation: strength, legacy and vision” which was woven throughout the evenings awards and performances – showcasing young and old local Aboriginal performers, storytellers and leaders. 

The evening featured Kutcha Edwards as the headline performer, sharing soulful music and stories about his life, as well as renowned MC Isaac Compton. There were local cultural performances Gumaraa Aboriginal Cultural Experiences, Southern Stars– Yanggaa Garaba Ensemble, Lake Illawarra High School Black Swans singing group, and local musician Kyarna Rose. 

The event would not have been possible without the generosity of the sponsors Big Fat Smile, Southern Youth and Family Services, ECTARC, Wollongong Strata Management, Barnardos, SAHSSI and ALS Global. 

View all the photos on our Facebook page.

Winners of the 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards:

Elder of the Year (Aunty): Aunty Gwenda Jarrett

Aunty Gwenda Jarrett has made a significant impact on various initiatives related to Aboriginal rights, culture, and community holistic wellbeing and welfare in the South Coast region of New South Wales, Nationally and Globally. Her involvement in Native Title, Reconciliation, Aboriginal Housing, mainstream organisations, community organisations, and businesses when it comes to Aboriginal rights speaks to her dedication to improving the lives of Indigenous Australians.

Aunty Gwenda is a respected cultural leader, advocate, and mentor whose lifelong work has empowered Aboriginal communities locally, nationally, and globally. As a South Coast Native Title delegate and CEO of Gerringong Aboriginal Housing Corporation, she is a strong voice for land rights, affordable housing, and community-led decision-making. She has been nominated for her tireless efforts in reconciliation, establishing Aboriginal Reference Groups, and developing programs for women, men, youth, and families. Aunty Gwenda’s extensive work has made a tangible and lasting positive difference for the Aboriginal community, particularly in the South Coast region of New South Wales.  Aunty Gwenda’s leadership continues to strengthen cultural identity, support self-determination, and create lasting change. 

Elder of the Year (Uncle): Uncle Stanley Jarrett

Uncle Stan has made a lifelong dedication to improving the lives of Aboriginal people. He has journeyed through various roles in his lifetime from his work at the NSW Local Courts and the South Coast Correctional Centre, to his current position at Curijo as a cultural consultant. With each role he takes on he demonstrates his deep commitment to supporting and guiding Aboriginal communities. His involvement with programs like the Babiin Miyagang fathering program highlights his focus on positive relationships and traditional Aboriginal practices, providing valuable mentorship for Aboriginal offenders. The concept of “cultural navigation” that Stan emphasizes is particularly important because it helps individuals reconnect with their roots and identity, offering them a strong foundation for personal growth and behavioural change.  His contributions to Aboriginal communities, especially in areas of fatherhood, rehabilitation, and cultural education, stand as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, family, identity, and empowerment in driving positive change. 

Overall, Uncle Stan’s work empowers Aboriginal individuals, enhances cultural awareness, and promotes community healing, all of which contribute to the long-term holistic well-being and success of the local Aboriginal community.  

Community Member of the Year: Raymond Timbery

Raymond Timbery the founder of Gadhungal Marring, a cultural education organisation based in the Shoalhaven. Inspired by his grandfather Uncle Laddie Timbery, Ray is a passionate leader focused on reconnecting young people with culture, Country, and identity. Gadhungal Marring has created employment opportunities for many local Aboriginal community members, providing stable jobs in cultural education, land and sea management, and program delivery. By doing so, he has demonstrated the value of Aboriginal knowledge in the modern workforce and shown that culture and economic development can go hand in hand. His business is a model for self-determined success, proving that Aboriginal-owned enterprises can thrive while creating real benefits for communities.

Raymond’s impact extends far beyond employment—his organisation now connects with over 15,000 children annually through school programs, cultural workshops, and on-Country experiences. Programs like the Gudjaga-Laali Junior Rangers, Digital Walkabout, and school programs give young people the opportunity to engage with cultural education in meaningful ways. By making Aboriginal knowledge an essential part of learning, he has helped strengthen identity and pride among students. The Gudjaga-Laali Junior Rangers program provides hands-on learning experiences in land and sea management. By partnering with organisations such as Winderong Farm, National Parks, NSW Maritime, and Marine Parks DPI NSW, Raymond has exposed students to a wide range of industries where caring for Country is central. This has given young people the confidence to see themselves in meaningful careers while also instilling a sense of pride in their cultural identity. 

Young Achiever of the Year: Kyarlee-Rose Clulow

Kyarlee-Rose Clulow is a proud young Aboriginal woman, and an inspiring community leader. She is currently studying a Diploma of Nursing at UOW College and is passionate about improving health outcomes for First Nations people.  As a former footy player and coach, Kyarlee is known for her resilience, strength, and commitment to creating culturally safe and empowering spaces for young people. She played a central role in delivering the Yarning Circle Mentoring Program at Lake Illawarra High School, helping Aboriginal girls reconnect with identity and culture. Kyarlee’s work continues to uplift Aboriginal youth, strengthen cultural connections, and inspire positive change within her community.   

Young Achiever of the Year: Marle Ashby

Marle Ashby is a proud Koori woman from the Jerrinja, Cullunghutti, and Wandi Wandian communities. She is a dedicated young leader, recognised for her cultural pride, strong voice, and passion for creating safe spaces for Aboriginal youth. Through her role at Waminda, she uplifts others and leads by example, showing young people the power of connection, identity, and community.  She has been nominated because of her leadership and advocacy since joining Waminda as a Bulwul Balaang Program Support Worker. Marle has led youth governance groups, mentored peers, contributed to the development of Blak Cede, and spoken on youth leadership at Waminda’s National Conference. Her work continues to ensure young people feel heard, supported, and proud of who they are.

Caring for Country and Culture: Betty Smith

Betty Smith is a Jerrinja Cullunghutti Wanra Wandian / Gumbaynggirr woman who embodies culture in every aspect of her life, particularly in her role as a Youth Program team leader at Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation. Her evolving journey at Waminda has led to her involvement in designing and delivering the transformative Bulwul Balaang program (Strong Women’s Program). With her enthusiastic, youthful, and vibrant spirit, Betty has made a profound impact on the lives of the young people she works with. Her deep understanding, passion, and love for her culture shine through as she learns from her Elders and shares that knowledge with the next generation.

Embracing Gummea Dharawal language through Willaia Bulwul language classes, Betty weaves language into the youth program, creating a powerful connection. Learning and passing on this knowledge to future leaders is an act of healing for Country, as she speaks to, sings to, and listens to Country— it’s all interconnected.

Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year: Tina McGhie 

Tina is a proud Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal woman. She is a respected community leader whose volunteer work spans business, education, and advocacy for children and families. She is a co-founder of Curijo Indigenous Professional Services as well a provider of pro-bono work to support community. She volunteers on several boards and advisory committees, sharing her community and cultural knowledge, and giving back to community through hours of unpaid work. She continues to give her time freely by mentoring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, supporting the Illawarra Indigenous Business Network, and helping lead important events like the Aboriginal Business Expo and Truth Telling Conference. She has been nominated for her unwavering commitment to creating culturally safe spaces, supporting young women in education, and advocating for family-led decision making through Aboriginal Children on Country.

Tina’s generosity, wisdom, and leadership continue to make a lasting impact across the community.   

Organisation of the Year (business): CMJ Food Services

CMJ Food Services is a local Aboriginal Food Wholesaler based in the Shoalhaven, and strives to be an inspiration and mentor for other Aboriginal businesses. Lead by Catherine Wright - a Jaggera woman from South East Queensland, she took over CMJ Food Services in 2015 and re-structured the business. With a new focus on creating social and community impact, CMJ went on to create job opportunities for Aboriginal people in the region. CMJ started as a small butcher and has grown quickly to become a comprehensive Aboriginal Food Wholesaler. CMJ is Supply Nation certified, and is a NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Assured business.

CMJ Food Services was severely affected by the bushfires in 2020 and then covid, however despite these setbacks, were able to continue to not only grow their business but remains a staunch supporter of other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses they connected with.

Organisation of the Year (not-for-profit): Juborsay Aboriginal Education Consultative Group

The Juborsay Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) serves as a leader within the community by actively engaging in the educational journeys of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. As a non-profit Aboriginal organisation, the NSW AECG Inc. provides advice on all matters relevant to education and training, ensuring that this advice represents the Aboriginal community viewpoint. They play a crucial role in celebrating the achievements of high school students completing their year 12 education with a formal ceremony that includes the local community, highlighting the importance of education and cultural pride. The AECG promotes respect, empowerment, and self-determination, believing that collaborative consultation is integral to partnerships and fundamental to achieving equality.

Juborsay works with schools from Wollongong to Kiama, helping Aboriginal students feel seen, supported, and celebrated through programs like graduation ceremonies and on-Country days. They have been nominated for creating safe, inclusive learning environments and cultural programs like the Yanggaa Garaba Southern Stars Dance group. Their work fosters connection, pride, and belonging among Aboriginal students while supporting schools and communities to embed culture in meaningful ways.   

Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal): Aunty Lindy Lawler

Aunty Lindy has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication to community healing despite enduring profound trauma. Driven by her own experiences as a member of the Stolen Generation, and the loss of her twin sister, Aunty Lindy has dedicated her life to giving back to the local community. Aunty Lindy is a dedicated advocate for Aboriginal youth in the Shellharbour community. Her journey as an education champion began when her grandchildren entered school, inspiring her to actively participate in NAIDOC events, supporting school based cultural programs and volunteering. Aunty Lindy helps with lessons in Aboriginal art, personalised learning pathways and weaving workshops in local schools including Oak Flats High School, Albion Park High School, Mt Terry Public School and Balarang Public School. She was recognised for her Outstanding Contribution to Educational Achievement by an Aboriginal Community Member in the 19th Annual Nanga Mai Awards in 2024. Her personal story of resilience and healing is inspiring to both Indigenous and non- Indigenous Australians.

Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (non-Aboriginal): UOW Pulse – Kids' Uni

UOW Pulse is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enriching campus life for University of Wollongong students and staff. Kids’ Uni is a division of UOW Pulse, with a focus on providing exceptional early childhood education and support services for children. They are deeply committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and staff, fostering environments where they are welcomed, valued, and supported.  Kids' Uni is passionate about truth-telling regarding Aboriginal history, aiming to educate the next generation on the significance of First Nations peoples' cultural heritage.  Over the last three years, they have made a conscious and intentional shift towards embedding Aboriginal perspectives in all that they do, rather than viewing reconciliation as a separate practice.

Kids’ Uni is leading change in early education by embedding Aboriginal perspectives into daily learning. They have been nominated for programs like Wayapa Wuurrk and Mindful Movement Dreaming, which foster cultural awareness, emotional wellbeing, and truth-telling through movement and storytelling. They are committed to shaping a generation of children who grow up with respect for Aboriginal history, identity, and connection to land.   

Last updated : Mon 4 Aug 2025