Cyrstal wins new NAIDOC Week award

WEDDERBURN’S Crystal Hardiman is the first recipient of a new Bendigo Zonta Club award recognising achievement of indigenous women and girls.

Crystal received her award at last Friday’s Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative ceremony to mark the start of NAIDOC Week.

Organisers said Crystal inspired others to make the most of every opportunity and make each day count.

Her citation acknowledged a hard-working and kind attitude consistently making a positive impact on her work colleagues at Loddon Shire and in the local community.

Crystal was the 2022 Wedderburn College VCAL dux and is continuing her connection with the college supporting Aboriginal students to plan a mural with Aboriginal artist Tobie Cameron that will show the school is culturally safe and respectful.

The award also recognised Crystal’s volunteer contributions to the community through Riding for the Disabled, as a member of Quarter Horse Association and assisting people with access to the food bank.

And another Wedderburn

College student, Robert Whyman, was named recipient of the Aborginal co-operative’s Youth Sportsman Award

He was described as an inspirational footballer who had participated in the Next Generation Central Football Academy, learning sports leadership, performance techniques and other important social skills, and was recognised for his natural talent and nominated to be part of an All Nations - Richmond Football Club team that played last year.

He has also been selected for the Richmond Football club under 18s Next Generation Football Academy of 2023.

Off the field, he was recognised for his leadership, mentoring younger players and volunteering as an assistant coach, inspiring his peers with his can-do attitude, the award citation said.

Earlier this year, Robert also received the Bendigo Health Young Indigenous Award.

Inglewood and Districts Health Service held a smoking ceremony yesterday as part of NAIDOC Week.

The annual week celebrates the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Artefacts create special display

ARTEFACTS from Paul Haw’s temporary keeping place at Boort have gone on temporary display this week at the town’s medical centre.

Kristy Pilgrim visited the keeping place holding artefacts to the Yung Balug clan, part of the Dja Dja Wurrung language group, last week ahead of NAIDOC Week.

Paul and Kristy selected items for the special display at the clinic.

The keeping place on the edge of Lake Boort has been popular with visiting school and tourist groups over the past two months.

Paul said more than 200 people had visited in a two-week period alone to discover more about the district’s indigenous history.

“There is a real interest in the artefacts of the area,” he said.