Aaron Fa’Aoso, Rachel Perkins nominated in NAIDOC Awards

First Nations producers / directors Aaron Fa’Aoso and Rachel Perkins were this week both nominated as National NAIDOC Week Award finalists.

Aaron Fa’Aoso, who recently delivered the Hector Crawford Memorial Lecture, established Lone Star Production Group (Strait to the Plate, Blue Water Empire).

Rachel Perkins, who founded  Blackfella Films, is best known for producing and/or directing Redfern Now, The Australian Wars, Mystery Road, Mabo, and First Contact.

They join author / playwright Dr Anita Heiss as three finalists in the Creative Talent category.

“The National NAIDOC Committee is very fortunate to be able to read the stories of so many of our people who are achieving remarkable results and working tirelessly to support their communities” said Co-Chair of the National NAIDOC Committee, Dr Lynette Riley. “It is an honour to be entrusted with selecting these incredible finalists”.

“National NAIDOC Week Awards seek to recognise and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who really understand their community and work to create positive change” said Co-Chair Steven Satour, “Each year we receive nominations from all over the Country, from big cities to small communities, and today we pay tribute to every single one of those people”.

A Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented  to Aunty Dr Naomi Mayers OAM, a Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman, leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and was an original member of the ground-breaking music group, The Sapphires.

Winners will be announced at the National NAIDOC Week Award Ceremony on Saturday 1 July.