The ball was one of the final events to round off NAIDOC Week in Mount Isa.and was held in recognition of the outstanding contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders make to improve the lives of Indigenous people in their communities. 

Awards organiser, Mrs Sheree Daisy-Blackley of Kalkutungu Language and Cultural Connections congratulated all of the winners and finalists of the 2018 Mount Isa NAIDOC Awards announced at the ball.  

“I was thrilled to reintroduce the NAIDOC Awards this year, as it hasn’t happened for quite a few years and to get behind the organisation of this event,” Mrs Daisy-Blackley said.

“It was a challenge, but well worth it, as we have many Indigenous people in our community that need to be recognised for their outstanding contributions made across a number of fields, I think it’s time we say ‘thank you’ and to showcase them as the great role models they are.”

“We have been supported through grants from Glencore Mount Isa Mines, MMG Dugald River, Calton Hills Station and Kalkadoon Tribal Council, Prime Minister and Cabinet and a range of organisations locally came on board very early in the planning to sponsor individual awards,” she said.

The prestigious award of Lifetime Achievement sponsored by Injilinji Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Youth Services, was given to Aunty Pattie Lees.

Aunty Pattie’s passion and commitment to working for her people saw her serve in countless official and voluntary positions as a Director, Committee Member, Advisor and Volunteer.  Aunty Pattie grew up on a Palm Island Mission, and from there served in the Navy. She was among the first Queensland Aboriginal women recruited into Women’s Royal Australian Navy (recruited from Palm Island Aboriginal Settlement) in 1967.

Aunty Pattie completed 3 years service and was a delegate at the United Nations Commission into the rights of Indigenous People held in Switzerland in 1996 and in 2002 she was a recipient of the Zonta International Mount Isa Women’s of Achievement Award for her ‘work with Indigenous people. In 2017 Aunty Pattie was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia.

Elder of the Year, sponsored by North West Hospital and Health Service, was awarded to Aunty Rose Iles received this award for her long time contribution to fight for justice for Australian basic rights through health, housing, education, employment and community politics.

Person of the Year, sponsored by Centacare North Queensland, went to Cody Kemp for her dedication and tireless work in the field of Indigenous education, mentoring and cultural awareness within the school.

Artist of the Year, sponsored by Mount Isa Aboriginal Media Association (MOB FM), was awarded to Megan Sarmardin for her outstanding achievements in the music industry.

Ms Sarmardin said art is made because you have something to share, you have something to tell and you kinda hope to change the world through that.

James and Kerry Derrick were awarded Sportsperson of the Year, sponsored by Brothers Rugby League Football Club Mount Isa for their countless hours spent encouraging adults and youth alike in the sport of boxing.

Jackson Daisy was awarded Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, sponsored by Glencore North Queensland, Indigenous Employment Program for his dedication to the job, leadership, work ethic and ability to inspire other Indigenous people in the mining industry.

Maxwell Brennan was awarded Youth of the Year, sponsored by Young People Ahead, for his dedication to his elected position of Indigenous Captain for Year 8 cohort, Spinifex Junior and his leadership ability in organising school activities.

Mr Brennan said it’s important to have a go at everything, you never know what you’re missing out on or how you or others can benefit from participating.

“We would like to congratulate all award winners and thank our independent judges, entertainers Benny Walker and Kevin Kropinyeri, the staff of the Mount Isa Irish Club for their wonderful customer service, staff and volunteers of Kalkutungu Language and Cultural Connections and all those who attended to make this year’s 2018 Mount Isa NAIDOC Ball and Awards Ceremony a success and a night to remember,” Mrs Daisy-Blackley said.