On behalf of Australian Labor, we congratulate the recipients of this year’s NAIDOC Awards.

The NAIDOC Awards are an annual celebration of extraordinary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who have made a difference for their people, their communities and their country.

The NAIDOC Awards recognises the contributions of young Indigenous Australians, students, scholars, artists, sportspeople and elders.

All award winners have demonstrated excellence in their field, improved the lives of others, made a contribution to important public issues, or inspired their peers.

The theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week is “Our Languages Matter” – shining a spotlight on the significance of Indigenous languages to people’s cultural identity and community.

Many Indigenous  languages have been lost to history, and many are at risk of being lost. This year NAIDOC is highlighting the programs and groups all across the country working to promote, preserve and protect Indigenous languages.

NAIDOC Week runs from 2 to 9 July. You can find out about events in your community by visiting www.naidoc.org.au

Labor thanks the National NAIDOC Committee for another wonderful week of celebration, reflection and activism.

2017 NAIDOC AWARD WINNERS

• Dianne Ryder (WA) – Lifetime Achievement Award winner

• Patrick Mills (QLD/SA) – Person of the Year

• Faye Carr (QLD) – Female Elder of the Year

• Ollie George (WA) – Male Elder of the Year

• Latia Schefe (QLD) – Youth of the Year

• Amanda Reid (NSW) – Sportsperson of the Year

• Sharee Yamashita (QLD) – Apprentice of the Year

• Elverina Johnson (QLD) – Artist of the Year

• Dr James Charles (SA) – Scholar of the Year

• Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation (QLD) – Caring for Country Award winner

SUNDAY, 2 JULY 2017