Blak leadership and strength were celebrated during this year’s National Naidoc Week Awards on Saturday in Noongar Whadjuk Boorloo (Perth), with more than a thousand people from all over the country.
It was a tough competition with the jury members who kept 200 applications, with only ten people taking home a prize, a lot from West -Australia.
Dr. Daniel Hunt dedicated his prize to his mother and “the people who came to us who really have ffitted the way.” ((ABC News: Lauren Smith))
Jaru and Indjibarndi Man Dr. Daniel Hunt received the coveted Naidoc Person of the Year Award for his extensive work in Aboriginal Health.
“Legacy is what I turn the most … Because it is the ones who have come to us, those pioneers who have really paved their way,” he said.
“We must be absolutely proud of what has been achieved … The term Blak Excellence cannot be expressed enough if I see what is happening in Australia.”
Anmatjere and Marranunggu Man Michael Long OAM received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership to tackle racism within the Afg and advocate for indigenous rights.
When he received a standing ovation, Mr Long said that it was “a prize that I will cherish” because he thanked those who have stood by his side for the past 35 years, with special mention to his family members in the crowd.
Aunt Rosalie Kickett was awarded another highlight of the night for her work in the mental health and domestic violence sector, which she spent on her parents and her deceased daughter who died of gender -based violence.
Aunt Rosalie, depicted with Michael Long, stopped the tears. ((ABC News: Lauren Smith))
“I never followed this path for recognition, I did it for my community … For my family, for those who don’t have a voice,” she said, stopping her tears.
“In 2023 I lost my beautiful girl Tiffany to domestic violence, it led me to the Acacia prison.
“Every chance I get, I speak her name. Silence is dangerous and the truth is how we heal.“
Aunt Rosalie also thanked the men in the Acacia prison of West -Australia who nominated her for the prize.
“If you can’t see the light, we will wear it for you until you can wear the flame yourself. Thanks for walking this trip with me,” she said.
Naidoc Week Awards MC Narelda Jacobs and her partner Karina Nattt on the Blak carpet. ((ABC News: Lauren Smith))
Narelda Jacobs also paid tribute to Mechelle Turvey, mother of Cassius Turvey, for her long fight for justice while she experienced “unspeakable sadness”.
“Aunt Mechelle, you are a great Australian and cherished Noongar woman,” she said.
This year was marked for 50 years since the Naidoc week started.
Over the years, it has evolved from a week of protest to a party, which sheds a light on trail blazers of First Nations and the life -changing impact they have in their communities in Australia.
Uncle Harry Hall thought about the impact of the freedom rides in his awards speech ((ABC News: Lauren Smith))
Minister of Native Australians Malarndirri McCarthy thought about his estate and said it was a reminder that “our people, our voices, our culture is worth celebrating.”
“It is a powerful memory of who we are, where we come from and the power that keeps us going,” she told the crowd.
Minister of Native Australians Malarndirri McCarthy presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. ((ABC News: Lauren Smith))
This year’s theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” tried to the tireless work of indigenous ancestors and the future leaders who continue the work to create change.
“We celebrate the power, spirit and stories that our old people knew how important it was to take space,” said co-chairman of the Naidoc Committee, Lynette Riley.
“Fifty years we are still stronger, louder, united and unapological pride here.”
Zipporah Corser-Anu, depicted with Natasha Wanganeen, accepted the creative prize on behalf of her mother Christine Anu. ((ABC News: Christine Anu))
Before the event was closed, the hosts announced that the Naidoc Week Awards 2026 will be organized in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) next year.
In case you have missed it, here is a breakdown of the finalists and winners of the Naidoc Week awards of this year.
2025 Naidoc Week Award -Winners
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Long
- Naidoc Person of the Year Award: Dr. Daniel Hunt
- Female Elder Award: Aunty Rosalie Kickett
- Male Elder Award: Uncle Harry Hall
- Spotsperson Award: Danielle Ponter
- Youth Prize: Anika Gosling
- Creative Talent Award: Christine Anu
- Care for Land- en Cultuurprijs: Wadjemup Project Steering Group
- Education price: Professor Eddie Cubillo
- Innovation Award: Blak Brews
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