Bundiyarra Irra Wangga Language Centre hosts NAIDOC Community Recognition Awards at Good Place family day

Bundiyarra’s NAIDOC recognition awards for ongoing community work were presented during a family day last week.

Bundiyarra NAIDOC Family Day 2022 was held on Friday at the language centre, with family entertainment and children’s activities filling the Good Place, as well as an immersion of poetry, singing, games and workshops.

NAIDOC Aboriginal community recognition awards were presented to people who had shown service, dedication and commitment to the community, including Jarrod Mongoo who suffered a car accident in 2007.

Mr Mongoo began his traineeship in 2002 with Wila Gutharra CDEP and Central West TAFE before a car crash left him unable to work. He was recognised for his hard work in mining operations since his recovery.

Donna Ronan was awarded for being a young leader who paves the way in recognising her culture. She owns a catering business specialising in bush tucker.

Other awardees included boxing influencer Arthur ‘Sharkey’ Ryan, ABSTUDY advocate Joan Gray, librarian Dianne McDonald, gum tree planter William Flanagan, language champion Godfrey Simpson, Aboriginal organisations supporter Simon Kniveton and educator Alan McDonald.