South West NAIDOC Awards

The South West NAIDOC Awards are an annual celebration recognising the achievements of outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the South West region of Western Australia. Held as part of NAIDOC Week, the awards honour individuals and groups who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and cultural strength in areas such as education, sport, community service, the arts, environmental stewardship, and the preservation and sharing of culture.

2025 SW NAIDOC AWARDS WINNERS

  • Justin Jetta CARING FOR COUNTRY AND CULTURE

  • Derek Winmar CREATIVE TALENT

  • Jean Coyle SPORTSPERSON

  • Charmaine May

    Charmaine May COMMUNITY PERSON OF THE YEAR

  • Charmaine Williams INNOVATION

  • Ijah Coyle EDUCATION

  • Dennis Jetta MALE ELDER

  • Sharon Cooke FEMALE ELDER

  • Charmaine Councillor LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

  • , a proud Dyirbal/Jirrbal and Boigu Island man, is recognised for his strength, leadership, and dedication to uplifting others.

    Basil Hart YOUTH AWARD

2024 SW NAIDOC AWARDS WINNERS

  • LCC for their outstanding Danju – Jobs Together program, which empowers Noongar people to care for Country while fostering cultural connection.

    LCC CARING FOR COUNTRY AND CULTURE

  • Summer Bennell-Brinkworth, a talented Balardong Wadjuk Noongar artist whose work blends traditional culture with modern design to uplift and inspire her community.

    Summer Bennell-Brinkworth CREATIVE TALENT

  • Rebecca “Becky” Jetta for her achievements and leadership in football. Since starting her career at South Bunbury in 2017, Rebecca has played over 70 games, earned two premierships, and represented East Perth.

    Rebecca “Becky” Jetta SPORTSPERSON

  • Max Jetta SNR, a respected Noongar Elder whose lifelong dedication to cultural leadership, mentorship, and community healing has uplifted the South West.

    Max Jetta Snr PERSON OF THE YEAR

  • We proudly recognise the Korijekup Noongar Waangkiny Moorditjabiny Program (Harvey Noongar Language Becoming Stronger) for its outstanding contribution to language revitalisation and cultural connection. Delivered by Harvey Aboriginal Corporation

    Korijekup Noongar Waangkiny Moorditjabiny Program INNOVATION

  • Kandice Hart, a Noongar Wardandi woman whose dedication to education and empowerment has transformed lives across the South West.

    Kandice Hart EDUCATION

  • Born in 1957, Uncle Wayne has spent a lifetime protecting Country and sharing cultural knowledge across the South West. For over 35 years, he has worked to safeguard sacred sites, including some of the oldest known cultural places in Australia.

    Dr Wayne Webb MALE ELDER

  • A mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Melba’s care extends far beyond her family. For over 36 years, she has served through the Bunbury Aboriginal Christian Fellowship, offering spiritual and cultural guidance to all.

    Melba William FEMALE ELDER

  • Since arriving in Bunbury in 1983, Dennis has dedicated himself to helping others—raising a family of six, guiding community members through grief, mentoring youth, and supporting Noongar prisoners.

    Dennis Jetta LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

  • Dakota Rassip, a proud Dyirbal/Jirrbal and Boigu Island man, is recognised for his strength, leadership, and dedication to uplifting others.

    Dakota Rasp YOUTH