A pleasing response to the inaugural National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week Awards has highlighted the number of Indigenous high achievers in Cowra, Cowra Mayor, Councillor Bill West said.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The awards are an exciting new initiative of the local NAIDOC Week Committee, local Aboriginal service providers, supported by Cowra Council.
“The level and breadth of nominations again shows the achievement of our Aboriginal community in fields ranging from sports, dancing, community leadership and contribution to the community,” Cr West said.
“These awards are recognising the wonderful contributions to our community made by Aboriginal groups and individuals during the past year,” Cr West added.
Winners will be announced at the conclusion of NAIDOC Week at a special dinner to be held on Saturday, July 11 at Cowra Bowling Club that represents the culmination to local NAIDOC Week activities.
Jesse Murray is a very talented dancer who has performed with Wagambirra and Cowra Men's Aboriginal group at events including the Schools Spectacular, NRL matches, and many community events.
Jesse auditioned for the NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company in 2013, 2014, and 2015; a significant achievement for a prestigious competition of only 24 dancers state-wide.
Jesse has also received dance tuition from Bangarra Dance Theatre - Australia's leading Aboriginal dance group.
This experience has provided new skills and knowledge which Jesse has shared with the local community; making him a leader and a role model for these significant achievements.
Imajen has long been acknowledged as a wonderful dancer; participating with the Wagambirra Dance Group since 2012.
Her invitations to audition with the NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company in 2013, 2014, and 2015 resulted in her selection to the group of 24 of NSW's best young Aboriginal dancers.
Imajen has also been dancing with Torsion Youth Choreographic Ensemble for 18 months, performing at local committee events, fundraisers, and at entertainment occasions.
Imajen's most recent achievements have included singing at Cowra Eisteddfod; the NAIDOC Concert; and the School's Night of Music.
Imajen has also recently been offered a teaching role at Cowra Ballet School. Imajen was also a member of the Cowra High School Student Representative Council in 2014.
Brahe is a renowned Australian Football player in the local competition.
Her skill and ability saw her gaining both state and national selection with Indigenous teams. She also assists with Cowra AFL junior teams.
Brahe has also been a member of the Wagambirra Dance Troupe and performing as a Cowra High School Aboriginal Dancer at the Schools Spectacular.
Daniel is hitting all the right notes with his sporting prowess.
Daniel is a speedy player with the Cowra Magpies Under 18's rugby league team and has also earned selection with regional and State teams. He is well-versed in many positions, excelling as hooker, halfback, fullback and wing. Daniel was selected in the CJRL Western Rams Group 10 Under 18's team in the State championships, with further selection in the NSW Country Junior League Under 18's team that will play matches in New Zealand and meet the New Zealand Warriors.
He has also participated in the Western Academy's development program for emerging young players, designed to lead young men into careers in rugby league with additional education in off-field career pathways.
For 10 years, this group has trained many students from Year 7 to Year 12 highlighting Aboriginal culture at a host of events.
The troupe has also travelled to Forbes, Parkes, Grenfell, Canowindra, Young, Bathurst, Dubbo and even to Gosford to dance at an NRL game. The Wagambirra Dance Group was initiated under the guidance of Cheryl McAllister and has demonstrated, in every facet of their work, pride in Aboriginal culture and knowledge of cultural practice.
The group recognise the importance of sharing Aboriginal culture by performing at preschools, retirement villages, and community events.
The Breakaway Program is a collaborative partnership between education and community organisations that came from a recognised need to engage students in education.
The program utilises confidence-building techniques, motivation, and encouragement to meet its goals with successful outcomes over 10 years.
The Breakaway Committee has implemented new initiatives that include students in specific, targeted, culturally-appropriate lessons. Their work saw them awarded a NSW Education Week Prize in 2012.
Warren is a full-time employee of the Weigelli Centre and performs his professional duties with respect for his clients and Aboriginal heritage.
Aboriginal culture is also strongly intertwined with the Rehabilitation Program that is an important part of Warren's life.
He has made presentations at Drug and Alcohol conferences and has undergone training to increase his professional skill and achieve better outcomes for Weigelli clients.
Warren is a humble leader and inspires others to be their best; he is enthusiastic about health and well-being and plays in the Cowra Magpies Group 10 Rugby League team.
Melissa has been an advocate for the Aboriginal community for many years. While employed at Yalbillinga Boori Day Care Centre Day Care Centre, she provided links to health care, education, and transport. Melissa's passion for her community led her to forego her career to take up a position as an Aboriginal Health Western Trainee.
Promoting health issues for Aboriginal people, she succeeded in enhancing the health service role to lead health programs, link people with services, and inspire community members to participate in fitness classes.
Melissa is involved in Yalbillinga as a Board member, coordinated both the 2014 George Rose and 2015 Julie Young Weight Loss competitions; provides home health services; has taught health classes, educates Breakaway program students, and also assists in many community health programs ranging from pregnancy health to mental health and chronic disease.
Harry is one of the well-known faces at Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre as Indigenous Service Coordinator.
He has held a range of positions since 2011 and is recognised as a tireless worker for both the service and the entire community.
Harry also takes his culture seriously and promotes Aboriginal traditions within the Cowra community. Another feather in his cap is the initiation of an Elders Group, formed to share ideas, discuss topical subjects, and develop solutions to areas of local concern.
Harry has also been a supporter and event organiser for NAIDOC Week, an advocate for health and education, and a supporter of youth development within the Aboriginal community. He was awarded the first "Mr NAIDOC Award" in 2012 and the Cowra Citizen of the Year Award in 2015.
Steve Taylor contributes to the Cowra community on many levels and in extraordinary ways.
He is the leader of the Wiradjuri Waganha Dance Group, a male Aboriginal dance performance troupe. From this work, Steve has been invited to teach younger males traditional dance in customary dress, both with the Breakaway program and for commemorative displays.
Steve has trained in Landcare and conservation and applies these processes to Aboriginal cultural burning projects. He is currently planning a traditional burn as a preliminary task for a Corroboree he is coordinating in October; a community event dear to Steve's heart. He has attended many Corroboree dance events throughout NSW with his commitment providing him the opportunity to host the 2015 NSW Corroboree.
He has been instrumental in the promotion of Wiradjuri culture within the Cowra Shire, designing the "Welcome to Wiradjuri" signs at town entrances and has also assisted in mapping the Aboriginal Knowledge and Cultural Values project with the Department of Environment NSW. He has also been the Aboriginal Community Facilitator for both Cowra and Young. Steve is currently an employee of Weigelli Rehabilitation Centre, working with families and clients experiencing difficult periods of their lives. Steve's humility and respect for all people is evident in his professional role.