The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) extends its heartiest congratulations to Aurukun Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Keri Tamwoy, on being named ‘Person of the Year’ at the 2021 National NAIDOC Awards.
Aurukun Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Keri Tamwoy
Mayor Tamwoy is building on the legacy of her late mother and former Mayor of Aurukun, Alison Woolla, who supported members of her community when they were experiencing abuse by opening her doors and inviting them to stay with her. Her leadership is recognised each year through an LGAQ domestic and family violence prevention award that is named in her honour.
LGAQ President and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said Mayor Tamwoy was a very deserving winner of the Person of the Year title.
“The dedication, commitment and support Mayor Tamwoy has provided — and continues to provide — to her community has made an immeasurable impact in Aurukun,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“As a result of her mediation work, she has improved community harmony and brought families, friends and neighbours together.
“I commend her on her tremendous work.”
Mayor Tamwoy says she has been working as a mediator for five years, helping families resolve their issues in a positive way.
“A few years ago, a young person died after a car had run over him. A lot of people were incarcerated and there was just unrest in community,” Mayor Tamwoy told NITV.
“One of my proudest achievements was being able to mediate that conflict because in that single mediation we had approximately 200 people.
“It’s always said that if you’re mediating large numbers, it will never work out but this one worked out and I was so proud and happy for my people to see them make amends and say to each other, ‘Let’s move on’.
“I felt so honoured to be a part of that journey for them.”
Mayor Tamwoy was one of four Queenslanders recognised at the awards and says she will not stop until her local people have power over their own lives.
“Support each other, love each over. Be that supportive family network, that group. You could do great things like that,” she said.