NAIDOC Week kicks off in Coffs

A TRAILBLAZER who founded a local Aboriginal Corporation, which provides wrap-around support for youth, is this year’s winner of the 2026 Grace Roberts Memorial Community Development Award.

Jeremy Widders received the highest honour at the 2026 presentations of the Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards at Yarrila Place.

The gala ceremony was one of many headline moments on what the community has come to know as the first day of Coffs Harbour’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Mr Widders established the Waagay Biliinyjarl Aboriginal Corporation, which provides cultural, social and practical support across Gumbaynggirr Country.

The corporation’s work includes running cultural camps for all ages and backgrounds and a youth bus which provides free travel on Fridays and Saturdays (across an area stretching from Red Rock to Nambucca Heads).

OTHER MAJOR PRIZE WINNERS

Aunty Award:

Aunty Nicola Neve was recognised for her work as an Aboriginal Education Officer at Bellingen High School. Her citation recognised that she had been exceptional in organising events, and tutoring (despite not having formal training) Aboriginal students.

Uncle Award:

Uncle Steven Skinner was recognised for his work promoting Gumbaynggirr language, teaching school students and staff as well as sharing cultural knowledge of bush medicine and bush tucker, and helping youth connect with traditional practices. Uncle Steven supports Aboriginal students and families through a Personalised Learning Pathway, guiding young people to achieve their cultural goals.

Aboriginal Community Organisation or Business of the Year Award:

Two winners – Darrunda Wajaarr and Kulai Preschool.

Darrunda Wajaarr cares for Country through cultural heritage, cultural practices and bush regeneration. Its community activities bring knowledge to farmers, the public and the next generation of environmental caretakers.

Kulai provides outstanding care, support and teaching for young children.

Sports Achievement Award:

Daniel Wilson. An influential figure in the rugby union community, Daniel plays second row for the Southern Cross University Marlins. Known as a ‘gentle giant’ due to his tackling technique, Daniel is nevertheless a force to be reckoned with and is respected for his efforts to help young squads and adults of all ages and cultural backgrounds in the sport.

Arts and Cultural Achievement Award:

Karly Morris. An outstanding Aboriginal artist whose work reflects cultural pride, storytelling and connection to Country, Karly’s work has been commissioned by schools, sporting teams, health centres, libraries and community organisations. She has strengthened pathways between youth and community services through her involvement with NASCA (National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy) students at Orara High School.

Youth of the Year Award:

Two winners – Mila Tighe and Sapphire Rose Townsend.

Mila is an Aboriginal leader at Toormina Public School where she is in Year 6. Renowned for her sportsmanship, Mila is committed to learning and proudly shares her knowledge and cultural understanding with staff and students.

Sapphire is a hard worker and a proud Aboriginal Year 6 student at Tyalla Primary. As well as hitting the books, Sapphire helps in the school canteen and is a keen dancer.

The Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards have been running since 1999 and are named in-part after Aunty Grace, who worked tirelessly for her community.

“I congratulate all of the award winners as their achievements make them stars for Mob and the wider community,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

“The winners in each of the seven categories share a commitment to excellence.”

Coffs Harbour will host events throughout NAIDOC Week 2026, celebrating  ‘50 Years of Deadly’. For more information, visit Council’s website at https://www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/About-our-city/NAIDOC