- 25–27 August 2026
- Panthers Port Macquarie
- #AbSecConference
- 25–27 August 2026
- Panthers Port Macquarie
- #AbSecConference
- 25-27 August 2026
- Panthers Port Macquarie
- #AbSecConference
- 25-27 Aug 2026
- Panthers Port Macquarie
Meet the winners
Highlighting and honouring those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in their work.
Solest contributes through both her work in secondary education and her volunteer roles in community sport. She walks alongside First Nations children and families, strengthening confidence, resilience and cultural pride through her commitment to wellbeing and culture.
Recognises the contributions of an Aboriginal person to the welfare and wellbeing of Aboriginal families and their community. Awarded to an Aboriginal community member that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to, and positive impact on, the wellbeing of families and communities.
Lorraine cares for two young Aboriginal brothers, aged six and one. She provides 24-hour support for the older brother, who has complex medical needs, while also ensuring both boys stay connected to family and culture. Lorraine travels, coordinates support and maintains regular family-time and cultural links well beyond the expectations of an authorised carer.
Recognises the outstanding contributions of a carer for an Aboriginal/Torres Strait islander child or young person.
Fiona leads the Myimbarr Permanency Support Program at Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation. She has embedded trauma-informed, culturally grounded practice across the program, guiding her team to support children and families with compassion, cultural strength and accountability.
Recognises an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Practitioner’s excellence in achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, their families and communities.
Dr Veloso has partnered with Burrun Dalai since 2017. His work includes therapeutic oversight, staff and carer training, cultural healing plans, and co-designed resources that strengthen both clinical and cultural support for Aboriginal children.
Recognises the contribution of a non-Aboriginal agency in partnering with Aboriginal communities in service design and delivery, achieving improved outcomes for Aboriginal families and communities. This could include a team or an organisation.
Cammy is an Aboriginal Field Officer with Dubbo Legal Aid. She is known for her strong advocacy, community leadership and her role on several committees across NSW. Cammy leads for advocacy moving forward.
Recognises an individual, program, or organisation working to improve legal or justice outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people, or families—especially in relation to culturally safe, trauma-informed, and restorative practices.
Yarradamarra was recognised for its work teaching and preserving Aboriginal languages across NSW. Uncle John, Aunty Bethy, Aunty Iris and the team consistently go above and beyond to support learners and deliver culturally grounded education resources statewide.
Recognises an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander early childhood educator or early learning professional who has made a significant impact on the development, cultural identity, and wellbeing of Aboriginal children in their early years.
Aunty Patty serves on the Wagga Wagga Circle Sentencing Panel and draws on her background in Juvenile Justice and Education to push for culturally informed outcomes.
Honours an individual who has made a significant impact in advocating for the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal children, young people, and families. This award recognises those working within or alongside the NSW Department of Communities and Justice or other mainstream systems who have successfully integrated Aboriginal perspectives and driven meaningful change.
Aunty Kathy leads Reconciliation Action work at Wesley Mission, advocating across programs and driving the creation of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group to strengthen cultural practice.
Honours an individual who has made a significant impact in advocating for the rights and wellbeing of Aboriginal children, young people, and families. This award recognises those working within or alongside the NSW Department of Communities and Justice or other mainstream systems who have successfully integrated Aboriginal perspectives and driven meaningful change.
A proud young woman from Narrabri and Walgett, Dezi supports younger Aboriginal boarders at Pymble Ladies College with care and quiet leadership. She is known as a steady mentor who helps others feel safe, seen and proud of who they are.
Recognises the achievements of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Young Person aged under 25 years for their leadership and contribution to their community.
Burrun Dalai was recognised for strong cultural governance, self-determination and community-led practice. Their work is guided by strategic planning, cultural visibility, ethical leadership, community engagement and the day-to-day leadership of CEO Mykol Paulson.
Recognises an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) demonstrating excellence in service delivery to their community, achieving lasting positive outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, their families and their communities.
AbSec would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we will meet to discuss important matters, the Mulgoa clan of the Dharug Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
AbSec acknowledges the Stolen Generations who never came home and the ongoing impact of government policy and practice on Aboriginal children, young people and families.