Catherine Grimley, Tennant & District Times

It may have been two weeks late, but our local NAIDOC Committee was determined that the events they had planned would go ahead as soon as it was safe to do so, so Monday morning marchers gathered outside the NLC office for the walk to Nyinkka Nyunyu to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

The weather was kind to the marchers with little wind and beautiful sunshine as they made their way down Paterson Street, even the police vehicle that led the march was carrying Aboriginal flags on the bonnet, in keeping with the day.

Once everyone had arrived at Nyinkka Nyunyu, the very important task of giving out the Awards to First Nations people who have shown Outstanding commitment to the community of Tennant Creek over the last year.

Among the winners were Linda Turner and David Curtis Snr who were both honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards, and Zac O’Donnell who was given the Youth Achievement award.

Ronald Plummer was named Male Elder of the Year and Annie Morrison was named Female Elder of the Year.

Jurnkkurakurr Volunteers were also recognised for all their hard work trying to minimise the night time social problems with the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Congratulations go to all award winners for their work in the community to make Tennant Creek the wonderful place it is.

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 23 July 2021.