2025 AWARD WINNERS

Youth Sports Award

Winner: Jack Baldwin

  • Can be any young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in sports. Open to those aged 18-25.

  • Yarra Ranges Council

Youth Education/Employment

Winner: Adam Dawe

  • Can be any young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the areas of education and employment. Open to those aged 18-25

  • Swinburne University

Non-Indigenous Award

Winner: Sharon Rice

  • Can be any non-Indigenous person who has made an outstanding contribution to the EMR Indigenous Community, whether in a service provision or volunteer capacity. 

  • Oonah Aboriginal Health & Community Services

Community Award

Winner: Michael Dale

  • Can be any Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who has made a valuable contribution to the EMR Indigenous Community.

  • VACCA

Arts Award

Winner: Leanne Henderson

  • Can be in any area of the arts including painting, photography, performing arts, ceramics, music etc. Nominee must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

  • Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place

Caring For Country Award

Winner: The Wurundjeri Narrap Rangers

  • Recognises the contribution of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and Communities who care for Country within the EMR – the land, waters and all living things conserving our biodiversity and protecting our environment for future generations. This Award nomination is open to an individual residing or working within the EMR, an Aboriginal Community within the EMR, or an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander specific project delivered within the EMR.

  • Karen Milward Consultancy

Business Award

Winner: Karen Milward

  • For Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses within the EMR. Recognises any of the following entrepreneurial spirit, Cultural preservation and Community impact. This award category celebrates the achievements and contributions of businesses owned and operated by Indigenous peoples within the Eastern Metropolitan Region.

  • NGWALA

Elder Award

Winner: Uncle Syd Jackson

  • Must be recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Elder within the EMR Indigenous Community. 

  • Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service