Canning Vale’s Jean Boladeras, a retired Curtin University Centre for Aboriginal Studies lecturer, won Female Elder of the Year for her work in indigenous research and education and on committees including Langford Aboriginal Association (LAA).
‘It was a complete surprise ” I could hardly stand up,’ she said.
‘My legs were shaking, I could hardly speak. It’s just been so lovely.’
Angela Ryder, a Thornlie resident, won Community Person of the Year.
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READ NOWShe has been LAA chairwoman for 12 years, was a 2011 WA Women’s Hall of Fame inductee and has been on the Naidoc Perth committee for seven years. Leaving this role finally made her eligible for nomination in the awards.
Ms Ryder said her work with Relationships Australia’s West Leederville branch, which in future will include a legal service to help Aboriginal women who have survived violence, had enabled her to do such extensive charity work.
Larissa Bennell, WA’s only player in the national under 17s softball team competing in the US at present, won Sportsperson of the Year.