Cleanaway endorses the vision of a nation which values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, cultures and peoples and recognises their unique position as the original custodians of Australia.
Cleanaway endorses the vision of a nation which values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, cultures and peoples and recognises their unique position as the original custodians of Australia.
This year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations started with the annual NAIDOC Perth Awards held on Friday 18 September. The awards recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, programs and businesses making outstanding contributions to the Perth community.
Senior HR Business Partner Louise Weaver presented the Empowerment Award at the event on behalf of Cleanaway.
“It was an honour to present the Empowerment Award on behalf of Cleanaway at the NAIDOC Awards Night. I was so impressed with both finalists and loved hearing about their individual achievements. Congratulations to winner Rory Charles and runner-up Teleisha Hill. They were very deserving of being recognised at the NAIDOC Awards.” Louise said.
Cleanaway CEO and Managing Director, Vik Bansal added, “Cleanaway is proud to support NAIDOC Perth as Platinum Sponsor for the fourth year running. Each year, the team in WA participate in NAIDOC Perth events such as Miss NAIDOC Perth, the NAIDOC Perth Awards, the NAIDOC Perth Ball.”
Empowerment Award winner Rory Charles
Rory Charles is a Wunambal Gaambera, Nyikina, Gooniyandi artist from the Kimberley, who is in year 11 and supported by MADALAH to attend Trinity College in Perth. Rory regularly donates art to be auctioned for his favourite charities and has worked on community murals independently and with various artists.
For the past four years, Rory has been helping to raise money for charities and donates his time to complete graphic design and art to help non-profit organisations. His generosity and leadership not only involve art; for the last five years he has organised a collection of second-hand football and basketball boots and uniforms for remote communities.
Rory is generous with his time and talents and has encouraged other young Indigenous people to become involved in community art projects. He spends a lot of time with the Elders and is always willing to listen, learn and help them. He is the recipient of various art awards and through the sale of his artwork for MADALAH this year, scholarships will be created to assist other young Aboriginal students to have opportunities for a good education in their secondary and university years.
Empowerment Award finalist Teleisha Hill
Teleisha Hill is a young Aboriginal woman who is passionate about many sports. She has represented Western Australia in women’s cricket, Taekwondo, and jujitsu. She is an instructor for Taekwondo and jujitsu and holds coaching accreditation for cricket level 1, basketball level 1, Taekwondo and jujitsu.
She has won gold and silver medals for national championships in Taekwondo and jujitsu. Teleisha mentors young female athletes in her various sports, coaching them and encouraging them to reach their full potential. She is now expanding her leadership skills as a police cadet in WA and continues to inspire other young Aboriginal people.
NAIDOC Week 2020
The theme for NAIDOC Week 2020 “Always Was, Always Will Be” was created to acknowledge that hundreds of Nations and cultures covered this continent. All were managing the land – the biggest estate on earth – to sustainably provide for their future.
The NAIDOC Perth opening ceremony was held at the Supreme Court Gardens on 8 November. It was a great opportunity for the community to participate in a range of activities in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Next up, the NAIDOC Perth Ball will be held Saturday 14 November 2020. We will be there so stay tuned for updates!
Cleanaway endorses the vision of a nation which values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, cultures and peoples and recognises their unique position as the original custodians of Australia. Read our Reconciliation Action Plan here.