Rachel Perkins wins at NAIDOC Awards

Proud Arrente and Kalkadoon woman, Rachel Perkins, has won the Creative Talent Award at the NAIDOC Awards.

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

She won ahead of Actor / Producer / Director Aaron Fa’Aoso and author / playwright Dr. Anita Heiss.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was 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.

Aunty (Dr) Lynette Riley AO, National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair said of this year’s winners, “The high calibre of nominees made the Committee decision very difficult.

“This year, we are pleased to be able to celebrate and share the achievements of so many more First Nations people by not only recognising winners in each category, but also finalists.

“I look forward to seeing what the award winners, particularly those who are early in their careers, will achieve.”