'Because of her, we can' Local Indigenous women recognised at 2018 awards

Indigenous Women have been the focus of NAIDOC Week celebrations across the country this year.

This is set to continue in Tamworth, with local Indigenous women being honoured at this years NAIDOC Awards. 

The awards were held at the family fun day at Bicentennial Park last Friday where recipients were presented with their awards in front of the Indigenous community. 

“With this year’s NAIDOC theme Because of Her We Can, this year’s awards pay homage to inspirational local and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women that have made a significant contribution to the community,” Tamworth Regional Council’s cultural development officer Andrea Bruno said. 

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As leaders, trailblazers, politicians, activists and social change advocates, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have fought and continue to fight, for justice and equal rights. 

Twelve local Indigenous women were honoured last week, for their contribution to the Indigenous community.

The 2018 Tamworth NAIDOC Awards recognised Aboriginal women across the region and winners were selected by judges from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, recipients are as follows.

A Kamilaroi woman with roots stretching from Baggabilla to Narrabri, she is described as strong in spirit, healthy, active, motivated, hardworking and funny.

Is from one of the original Aboriginal families within the Tamworth area  and is described as  a role model to all.

Gloria’s colleagues at the Salvation Army say she is the ‘whole package’.  A lady of great substance and humility and has a depth that only most could aspire to. 

A kind and caring woman who would go out of her way for anyone.Helen has raised three boys on her own and took on her ex-husbands children as well as numerous nieces and nephews who lived with her over the years. 

Her artistic capabilities have benefitted many and her passion for what she does is inspiring. 

With five degrees, two at Masters level she is an inspiration to other Aboriginal women, her family, her three children and her workplace. 

Lectures in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at the University of New England and is currently studying a Master of Philosophy in Mental Health and Wellbeing in Rural First Nation’s Women. 

Natalie is a passionate hard worker in disability services.  She always goes above and beyond putting others first.  She loves her culture, and mob and will help anyone in need. 

Pearl started the very first NAIDOC ball, the first Aboriginal Knockout football competition in Tamworth and was instrumental in forming the first young Aboriginal mothers group which lead to starting her first playgroup.

Is a founding member of Mara-Mara who moved here in the 1960’s.  She married into one of the original families and was the first Homecare Coordinator. 

Over a decade ago, Susanne recognised through her work with children and families a dire need for the establishment of a kitchen which would offer hot and nutritious meals for people who were doing it tough.

A is described as a warm, caring and modest person who gives freely of her time to be involved with organisations and adds to the capacity of Not-For-Profit and Volunteer organisations. 

In running with the theme these women all have contributed to not only the Indigenous community within Tamworth but the wider community helping bridge the Gap. 

TAMWORTH saw its largest ever NAIDOC march, as the Indigenous community poured out in a show of unity, after the traditional route of the parade was almost reduced to just one block.

More than 500 people stepped off from Viaduct Park, armed with flags, songs and smiles.

Cathy Trindall said it was “by far the biggest march” she’d ever seen in Tamworth.

“The theme, ‘Because of Her, We Can’, means so many things to so many different people,” she said. 

Ms Trindall said you could see how much the theme meant to the community, with many wiping away tears during a moment of silence to remember the women special women in their lives who had passed away.