IT was a real family affair for one Border family who took home three accolades at La Trobe University’s NAIDOC awards on Saturday night.
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Indigenous community leader Darren Wighton was awarded community person of the year, while his wife, Michelle, was a finalist in the Uncle Arthur Melrose Memorial Encouragement Award.
The encouragement award recognises a citizen with kind values, while Mr Wighton’s award acknowledged his ongoing community work.
“You don’t do it for the awards, but it’s nice to be recognised,” Mr Wighton said.
“I am proud and blessed to have taken home this award.”
But the accolades did not stop there.
Their son Zeke, 16, was also a finalist in the youth of the year award where he is one of the presidents with Albury City Aboriginal Youth Council, which was nominated for the category.
The awards were presented at The Cube, Wodonga, to recognise indigenous people excelling in the community.
“We have certainly got a bit of glassware in the family now,” Mr Wighton said.
“I have already put mine up on a wall in the house.”
Wiradjuri elder Aunty Nancy Rooke nominated Mr Wighton for his contribution to the community that includes his leadership of the Aboriginal men’s shed at the Albury-Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service and his work as a pastor with Albury’s indigenous church.
Awards were also won by Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster for sportsperson of the year and Renee Silver was presented an appreciation award.
The Uncle Arthur Melrose Encouragement Award went to Ebony Moran, while elders of the year was awarded to Aunty Nancy Rooke.
The Youth of the year award was presented to Lillian Arnold-Rendell, while volunteer of the year went to Alicia Wheatley.
Meanwhile, scholar of the year went to Judith Cue-Ahmat and Benjamin Davidson took out artist of the year.
