Wunan Foundation has secured an additional $60,000 from Lotterywest to run its 2025 East Kimberley Aboriginal Achievement Awards as nominations open.
The biennial event, set to take place on August 9 at the Kununurra Picture Gardens, is a celebration of Aboriginal excellence across the East Kimberley region and will feature live performances, cultural showcases, keynote speakers and a community dinner.
Wunan Foundation chief executive Prue Jenkins said the investment is a testament to the importance of celebrating the contributions of Aboriginal people in the region.
“The awards have grown into a vital platform for recognising excellence and inspiring the next generation. We are grateful to Lotterywest and the Premier of WA for making this possible,” she said.
Since their establishment in 2001, the East Kimberley Aboriginal Achievement Awards have honoured outstanding individuals, groups, and organisations in fields such as community service, education, arts and culture, health, business, and sport.
“The Awards are more than just a ceremony. They are a moment of collective pride and a reminder of the power of community,” Ms Jenkins said.
“It’s where we come together to celebrate culture, recognise achievements, and create positive momentum for the future.”
The awards acknowledge a broad range of contributions through the “Abbey Forrest” Aboriginal Emerging Leader Award, Aboriginal Elder of the Year, Outstanding Aboriginal Individual Contributor to Culture and Community, Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal Education, Employment, Training and Disability Services, Aboriginal Business Enterprise of the Year, Aboriginal Affairs Champion of the Year and Aboriginal Person of the Year.
Recognition is also extended to allies through the Non-Aboriginal Person of the Year and Non-Aboriginal Organisation of the Year awards.
Ms Jenkins encouraged the East Kimberley community to nominate residents they believe have gone above and beyond in their work over the past two years.
“Many local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people contribute to our region through community service, education, music, art, culture, the environment, sport, employment, and politics,” she said.
“If you know someone who deserves to be recognised, we encourage you to complete a nomination form and share their story. Anyone can nominate, so long as the person or organisation fits the category criteria.”
Nominations for the awards are open and will close on July 7, 2025.
