Wild Weather didn’t dampen spirits at NAIDOC celebrations

Published on Friday, 13 November 2020 at 1:59:49 PM

An unseasonal change in the weather forced the relocation of the 2020 Always Was. Always Will Be. NAIDOC Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 10 November, from Gnarojin Park to the relative warmth of the indoor courts of the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre. More than 100 students from Narrogin’s primary schools joined members of the community in the annual celebration of Indigenous culture and tradition.

The program was officiated by MC Gloria Kickett and included the presentation of the Narrogin NAIDOC Awards. The Awards recognise; individuals or groups who exemplify the values important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; individuals who are identified as an inspirational leader and role model; and where there is demonstrated involvement in the Indigenous community at the local, regional and/or national levels.

The recipients of the Narrogin NAIDOC Awards for 2020 were:

Carol Williams - Elder of the Year for her leadership and advocacy in the development of a program aimed at young girls aged 8-11 years who were identified as at risk.

Chante Kickett - Artist of the Year for her artwork skills in the design of the Graduating Year 12 Leavers Shirt, KindyLink Shirts, Stephen Michael Foundation Football Shirt and Netball WA 2020 Naidoc Ball.

Jeremy Ugle - Up and Coming Role Model for his commitment to leadership and his role as an umpire in the Narrogin Junior Basketball Association.

Rosie Anderson - Sportsperson of the Year for her achievements in the Stephen Michaels Foundation Girls Academy through which she was selected to play for South Fremantle Football Club.

Yidarra 10 Project - Up and Coming Role Model for the successful program which was aimed at young and at risk Aboriginal repeat offenders, providing them with a sense of self-worth through self-discipline and team work to overcome challenges.

Local Noongar man Ross Storey, saw an opportunity to share his knowledge with the young people and conducted an impromptu workshop with the didgeridoo, leading a group of kids in a dance class, teaching them the traditional dances of Yonga (Kangaroo) and Waitch (Emu).

The formalities were followed by morning tea which was prepared and served by the Year 11 hospitality students of the Narrogin Senior High School Trade Academy. The menu included damper scones and sausage rolls using bush tucker ingredients Yongka (kangaroo), salt bush and wattle seed.

Photo credits Ruth Tinley

Gloria Kickett