Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM is encouraging the community to nominate a high-achiever from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community for the 2023 Blacktown City NAIDOC Awards.The annual awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of First Nations people to the Blacktown community across 4 categories.

This year, a new award category will recognise an Aboriginal or Torres strait Islander person living with disability.

The awards also recognise the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Young Achiever of the Year (12-25 years) and the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Sports Person of the Year.

Mayor Bleasdale urged the community to get their nominations in quickly, before entries closed on 19 June.

“Whether it be on stage, in the community or on the sporting field, Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people contribute greatly to our community and we are proud to celebrate their successes through Council’s NAIDOC Awards,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“If you know a First Nations person making an incredible difference in the community or achieving wonderful things in sport, education, the arts and beyond, be sure to nominate them today.”

Nominees must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander; live, work or volunteer in Blacktown City; and have made an outstanding contribution to the community. Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on 3 July in the Aboriginal Heritage Garden at Nurragingy Reserve.

To nominate, visit: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-scholarships-and-competitions/2023-Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-NAIDOC-Awards before 11.59pm on 19 June.