Two First Nations women who have created opportunities to connect with culture have been among those honoured at National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Day celebrations at Whalan Reserve.
Cynthia Morrison and Sabina Carr Drennan received the NAIDOC Citizen of the Year and NAIDOC Innovation Award respectively on Thursday.
Cynthia, a Dharug, Yuin and Murrawari woman, founded the Didjurigur Netball Club in the Mount Druitt Netball Association as well as the Garabara Dance Group.
Sabina is a Kamilaroi woman working in Community Corrections in Mount Druitt. She developed a remote reporting centre that builds trust and a Women's Yarning Circle that helps share knowledge and support services.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting congratulated the pair.
"Cynthia and Sabina are inspiring examples of First Nations people creating initiatives to foster their community and culture," he said.
"They are just two of many First Nations people I know of in our community whose efforts are invaluable to continuing the traditions of the world's oldest living culture.
"Blacktown City is lucky to have one of the largest urban First Nations populations in Australia, and I am proud to acknowledge Dharug as the traditional custodians of the land."
There were special mentions for NAIDOC Citizen of the Year finalists Christine Bolt, John Coe and Raelene Gibson, and NAIDOC Innovation Award finalists Christine Bolt, John Coe, and Jason Douglas and Trevor Eastwood.
A number of community organisations have held events in Blacktown City to recognise NAIDOC Week.
These organisations have included Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, Holy Family Parish, North West Community Services, Willmot Community Hub, Yenu Allowah Aboriginal Corporation and more.
Blacktown City Council has supported these events.
