25 September, 2015
The outstanding contributions of Elders and young people were recognised at last month’s Statewide Conference.
OurMob acknowledges the leadership and achievement of the 2015 winners.
Central
Elder: Neville Merritt (Gilgandra LALC) – Board Member and former Chair with a passion for culture and language
Youth: Jackson Clarke (Narromine LALC) – Student and volunteer helping young people in Narromine and Dubbo
Mid-North Coast
Elder: Harold Smith (Kempsey LALC) – Former Chair respected for his knowledge of Dunghutti culture
Youth: Clark Webb (Coffs Harbour LALC) – Founder of Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan or Two Paths Strong after-school learning program
North Coast
Elder: Lillian Williams (Birrigan Gargle LALC) – respected Elder who has served as Board Director
Youth: Cody Walker (Birrigan Gargle LALC) – NSW and Australian junior schoolboy rugby union representative
North Western
Elder: George Fernando (Walgett LALC) – Founding member of Walgett LALC
Youth: Rikka Lamb (Goodooga LALC) – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netball team member and student
Northern
Elder: Eddie Briggs (Dorrigo Plateau LALC) – Passionate fighter Land Rights, justice and equality for more than 30 years
Youth: Billie Jean Livermore (Anaiwan LALC) – Active participant in Myall Creek Memorial Service and NAIDOC event
South Coast
Elder: Fred Carriage (Ulladulla LALC) – Respected mentor, passes on culture and knowledge through Coomee Nalunga Cultural Track tours
Youth: Rhiannon Keith (Ulladulla LALC) – First Indigenous School Captain at Ulladulla High, University of NSW Indigenous Ambassador and motivational speaker
Sydney-Newcastle
Elder: Ann Weldon (Metropolitan LALC) – Founding member of Aboriginal Children’s Service and long involvement in Land Rights, ALS and public sector
Youth: Emma Green (Bahtabah LALC) – Project Officer who works closely with Elders Group
Western
Elder: Besley (Bes) Murray (Balranald LALC) – Helped establish Victorian Koori Court system, Ambassador of Australia Award winner
Youth: Rexy Smith Jr (Dareton LALC) – Member of Taroo Negotiation Team for Barkandji land transfer, youth leader
Wiradjuri
Elder: Jimmy Ingram (Leeton and District LALC) – Knowledge-holder of Wiradjuri lore and custom and leading figure in Land Rights network