Kiama Council congratulates all the award nominees and recipients of this year's Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.
The Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
Mayor Cameron McDonald said the Awards were particularly significant for the Kiama community, with Aunty Gwenda Jarrett and Uncle Stan Jarrett recognised as Elders of the Year.
"As Mayor, I've had the privilege of working with Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan across a range of local government events and initiatives, and they've brought an amazing down-to-earth, everyday approach to sharing the history, culture and practices of the traditional owners of this amazing place we all call home," Cr McDonald said.
"Anyone who has participated in our annual Sorry Day event will have experienced the inclusive, positive and simply unforgettable way they lead everything from the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony through to the story-telling and truth sharing."
Cr McDonald said the Award was also credit to the crucial role Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan had played in Kiama Council's recent work to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan.
"Our Reconciliation Action Plan is a first of its kind for Kiama Council and our community. The Plan itself will provide a clear and detailed roadmap to building stronger relationships between our indigenous and non-indigenous community."
"Happily, thanks to the leadership of Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan, through our Aboriginal Advisory Group, we have a strong vehicle for delivering not just the RAP, but guiding and protecting our connection between our first nation people, and those who have come after."
The 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards recipients are:
• Elder of the Year (Aunty): Aunty Gwenda Jarrett
• Elder of the Year (Uncle): Uncle Stanley Jarrett
• Community Member of the Year: Ray Timbery
• Young Achiever of the Year: Kyarlee-Rose Clulow
• Young Achiever of the Year: Marle Ashby
• Caring for Country and Culture: Betty Smith
• Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year: Tina McGhie
• Organisation of the Year (business): CMJ Food Services
• Organisation of the Year (not-for-profit): Juborsay Aboriginal Education Consultative Group
• Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal): Aunty Lindy Lawler
• Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (non-Aboriginal): UOW Pulse – Kids' Uni
Kiama Council thanks Shellharbour City Council for hosting the 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.
Council also thanks our sponsors, including Aboriginal Affairs NSW.
Photo: Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan (centre) with Mayor Cameron McDonald, Cr Stuart Larkins and Kiama Council staff
