The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy”, the NAIDOC Week theme for 2025, is being celebrated in Narrandera this week.

Celebrations started with an Opening Ceremony in Marie Bashir Park on Monday.

In partnership with the Aboriginal Elders Liaison Group, the newest names on the Wiradjuri Honour Wall in the Park were unveiled recognising outstanding contributions of service, leadership and sport. They were:

War Veterans

• Laurie Clarence Eldridge
• Royce William Eldridge
• John Ferguson (MM)

Honour Wall recipients

• Sandhills: Glyde (Scott)
• Community Service: Bessie Briggs, Robert Carroll, Jennifer Johnson,David Ivanoff
• Sports Achievement: David Ivanoff, Wally Scott (Glyde), Meg Hollins.

Citations for those who were newly honoured:

Robert Carroll: Robert has dedicated over 38 years to Aboriginal leadership and community development across local, regional, state, and national levels. His achievements include representing Indigenous rights at the United Nations, holding key leadership roles in housing, land councils and legal services and consistently advocating for Aboriginal training, employment and cultural advancement. His contributions have had a lasting impact both in Narrandera and far beyond.

Jennifer Johnson: Jennifer is a respected and active member of the Narrandera community, known for her lifelong voluntary service and leadership. She has contributed to numerous organisations including the Riverina Medical and Dental Corp, Narrandera Elders Group and Gundyarri Corporation, while also raising seven children and a large extended family. Her dedication to both the Aboriginal and wider community continues today, earning her deep respect from all.

Bessie Briggs: A proud community member who spent her life in Narrandera after growing up in the Sandhills. A dedicated volunteer, she served for 20 years at the St Vincent de Paul op shop and was part of early efforts to establish aged care for Aboriginal people. While raising seven children, she also worked for two decades at Leeton Cannery and was a talented dressmaker known for designing and making beautiful clothes.

David Ivanoff: With 50 years of dedicated service to Transport for NSW, David demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment. His achievements include receiving the Premier’s Award for 50 Years of Service and being named Aboriginal Employee of the Year, recognising a lifetime of excellence and contribution.

Wally Scott (Glyde): Wally was a cornerstone of the Narrandera sporting community, dedicating decades to both playing and coaching across multiple local leagues. His lifelong involvement in sports like rugby league, cricket, softball, basketball, darts and pool left a lasting impact and helped shape the spirit of local sport.

David Ivanoff (Sports): State Level Lawn Bowls – recognised among the top 30 players in NSW.

This article appeared in Narrandera Argus, 10 July 2025.