Maningrida community member named as finalist in national award

Maningrida’s very own Noeletta McKenzie has been recognised for her incredible work in the community once again, after being announced as a finalist for a national award. Noeletta is a finalist in the National Indigenous Human Rights Awards which is coinciding with the 25th Anniversary of Mabo & Native Title in 2017. Nominated in the Eddie Mabo Social Justice Award category, the National Indigenous Human Rights Awards recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons who have made significant contribution to the advancement of human rights and social justice for their people. Noeletta is a stand-out community member in Maningrida and remains a strong leader of the GREATS Youth Service (GYS) which offers programs and support which engage youth and keep them of the streets. GYS is the only organisation that is overseen and directed by the youth of the community and hosts all major and minor activities and programs that fully engage the community and hosted the annual L'urra Festival which attracted a crowd of 3500 people in the community. With Noeletta’s work, GYS strives to produce strong young leaders in the community. Noeletta was recently a finalist in the Northern Territory Young achiever Awards which aim to encourage, reward and most importantly promote the positive achievements of young Territorians. She was also awarded Person of the Year 2015 during the Top End NAIDOC Week. The National Indigenous Human Rights Awards were established in 2014, and are presented by leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders, and leading Indigenous figures in Indigenous Social Justice and Human Rights. All recipients of the National Human Rights Award will be persons of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Wednesday, May 10 at Commonwealth Parliament of Australia in Canberra.