Premier Steven Marshall has announced the winner of the 2021 Premier's NAIDOC Award, which recognises and celebrates outstanding achievements and contributions to the lives of Aboriginal people in South Australia.
Proud Ngarrindjeri and Kaurna man, Major ('Moogy') Sumner, from South Australia's Coorong region took out the 2021 award for his significant service to the Indigenous community of South Australia.
Speaking at the annual ceremony at the Adelaide Convention Centre today, Premier Marshall thanked Moogy for his dedication to the South Australian Aboriginal community.
"Moogy is a world-renowned cultural ambassador, widely regarded for his contributions to Aboriginal culture and to positive and future-focussed outcomes for Aboriginal people, land and waterways," Premier Marshall said.
"In 2014, he was awarded Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to the Indigenous community of South Australia through contributions to health, social welfare, youth and cultural heritage organisations.
"Moogy's life work and passion is the embodiment of this year's NAIDOC theme of Heal Country, heal our nation.
"I extend my sincerest congratulations to Moogy, and to all the other finalists – Ms Georgina Williams, Mr Jeffrey Newchurch and Mr Frank Lampard – and thank them for their valuable contributions, which benefit not just Aboriginal people and communities but all South Australians."
The Premier also announced Miss Latisha Dodd as the recipient of the Dr Alice Rigney Prize, which recognises an Aboriginal young person dedicated to their education. The prize is named after education trailblazer, the late Dr Alice (Alitya) Rigney.
"Congratulations to Latisha, a Year 12 student from Kaurna Plains School in Elizabeth, an iconic school established by Dr Rigney," Premier Marshall said.
"Latisha is on track to complete her SACE at the end of this year and her artistic talents were recognised by Central Districts Football Club for the creation of their Indigenous round guernsey.
"Latisha also won her school's Reconciliation Week competition, illustrating an ability to connect with her own cultural background as a role model for other young Aboriginal people."
For more information and past winners of the Premier's NAIDOC Awards, visit: https://www.dpc.sa.gov.au/responsibilities/aboriginal-affairs-and-reconciliation/reconciliation/premiers-naidoc-award
