NAIDOC Awards recipients

NAIDOC Awards recipients

Published on 28 July 2025

Kiama Council congratulates all the award nominees and recipients of this year's Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.

The Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

Mayor Cameron McDonald said the Awards were particularly significant for the Kiama community, with Aunty Gwenda Jarrett and Uncle Stan Jarrett recognised as Elders of the Year.

"As Mayor, I've had the privilege of working with Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan across a range of local government events and initiatives, and they've brought an amazing down-to-earth, everyday approach to sharing the history, culture, and practices of the Traditional Owners of this amazing place we all call home," Cr McDonald said.

"Anyone who has worked with Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan will have experienced the inclusive, positive and simply unforgettable way they lead everything from their advocacy work at a local, state, and national level, the grass roots work in community, and their commitment to cultural education. This commitment strengthens community ties and ensures that local knowledge and traditions are passed on to future generations".

Cr McDonald said the Award was also credit to the crucial role Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan had played in Kiama Council's recent work to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan.

"Our Reconciliation Action Plan is a first of its kind for Kiama Council and our community. The plan itself will provide a clear and detailed roadmap to building stronger relationships between our Indigenous and non-i=Indigenous community."

"Happily, thanks to the leadership of Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan, and through our Aboriginal Advisory Group, we have a strong vehicle for delivering not just the RAP, but for fostering mutual understanding, acknowledging shared histories, and celebrating the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Kiama."

The 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards recipients are:

• Elder of the Year (Aunty): Aunty Gwenda Jarrett

• Elder of the Year (Uncle): Uncle Stanley Jarrett

• Community Member of the Year: Ray Timbery

• Young Achiever of the Year: Kyarlee-Rose Clulow

• Young Achiever of the Year: Marle Ashby

• Caring for Country and Culture: Betty Smith

• Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year: Tina McGhie

• Organisation of the Year (business): CMJ Food Services

• Organisation of the Year (not-for-profit): Juborsay Aboriginal Education Consultative Group

• Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal): Aunty Lindy Lawler

• Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (non-Aboriginal): UOW Pulse - Kids' Uni

Kiama Council thanks Shellharbour City Council for hosting the 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.

Council also thanks our sponsors, including Aboriginal Affairs NSW.

Photo: Aunty Gwenda and Uncle Stan (centre) with Mayor Cameron McDonald, Cr Stuart Larkins and Kiama Council staff

Related Information

• Local Government NAIDOC Awards 2025
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
• Reconciliation Action Plan

• Announcements
• Honours & Celebration