2023 Award Winners
YOUNG SISTERS RISING Star AWARD
Awarded to Jakirah Telfer, who has displayed fearless leadership across many aspects of her life, including through public speaking, written articles, as the female lead dancer for Yellaka (Old Wisdom New Ways) and in her role as the youngest State Coordinator of the Yes23 Campaign. She has calmly, and gracefully initiated positive change among the broader South Australian community through her lifelong advocacy and activism, including her call for a Voice in the decision making on matters that impact our lives.
REGIONAL AWARD
Awarded to Danielle, a strong Aboriginal mother, sister, aunty, friend, colleague and community member. She is always willing to support and promote her community and culture and does so with pride and a spirit of inclusion. Dannielle is a driving force in the Mount Gambier Community.
SHIRLEY PEISLEY AWARD
Awarded to Kim Morey, a proud Aboriginal woman of Anmatyerre and Eastern Arrernte descent whose family connections are to Central Australia. Kim’s outstanding service to community is evidenced by over 28 years of work across Aboriginal housing, Aboriginal community services, Aboriginal health and Aboriginal research. As well as her voluntary roles sitting on the board of Kura Yerlo, the SA Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee, Alberton football club secretary, and the more recently established SA Stolen Generation Aboriginal Committee. Kim has no hesitation in standing up for our community and does it in a way that brings people along on the journey.
QUIET ACHIEVER AWARD
Awarded to Tanya Rankine, who has always strived to give back to mob and show others that they can overcome and heal. Her passion to give back saw her make huge leaps in her career, starting as trainee student at Tauondi College where she then was given the opportunity to take on the role of Restorative Engagement Practitioner for Metropolitan Aboriginal Youth and Family Services.
PERPETUAL GLADYS ELPHICK AWARD
Awarded to Irene McKenzie, who belongs to the Kuyani/Walpi (Adnyamathanha) and Matutjatjara people. As per Adnyamathanha culture, Irene is a Mathuri Yuratu (South Wind woman). For the last 19 years, she has lived and worked within the Davenport community, in careers which have seen her work and manage in areas of community development, community governance, community wellbeing, social justice and advocacy, employment and training, business development, heritage protection, community infrastructure and restoration and management of community held land.