Meet the Winners of the 2024 National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Awards

Story courtesy of National Indigenous Television (NITV).

The winners of the National Indigenous Sports Awards have been announced at a grand gala held in Naarm Melbourne overnight. First held in 1986, the prestigious awards, this year presented by the Indigenous Sports Network, celebrate the wealth of First Nations athletic talent from across the continent.Previous winners include Cathy Freeman, Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Lionel Rose. This year’s nominee list is equally star-studded.Following a solemn smoking ceremony, and all the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, some of the country’s greatest sportspeople crowded the MCG’s Olympic Room for a fun evening celebrating Blak excellence.

Check out the winners.

Patty Mills was recognised for his stellar achievements, representing Blak excellence on the world stage. In 2024, Mr Mills represented the country at the Olympics in Paris for a fifth time in basketball.

National Senior/ Elder Sports Person of the Year – Uncle Tony Lovett

Uncle Tony Lovett took home the Elder Sports Person Award. He had a notable AFL career, and was inducted to the AFL Masters Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements. He made his AFL debut in 1984 and played over 100 games for St Kilda. After his playing career, he has remained involved in football and community through various coaching and development roles.

National Sports Competition of the Year – Koori Knockout

The Koori Knockout celebrates and promotes Indigenous culture through sport. Not only does the Knockout showcases Indigenous athletes but is also a platform for fostering community engagement and cultural exchange.

National Sports Volunteer of the Year – Justin Downing

Mr Downing got the Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball club off the ground and has demonstrated outstanding commitment and passion in his volunteer work for the club.

National Community Sporting Organisation of the Year – Rumbalara Football and Netball Club

Rumbalara Football and Netball Club are a First Nations led sporting club that focuses on a holistic approach of self determination through sport, health and education.

National Sports Team of the Year – Walgett Aboriginal Connection (WAC)

Walgett Aboriginal Connection has won the Koori Knockout five times, winning consecutive titles in 2023 and 2024. Their golden run has seen them awarded the award for National Sports team of the year.

Ms Reid is a Wemba Wemba and Guringai para cyclist and has won back-to-back gold medals in the women’s C1-3 500m time trial at the Paris Paralympics, breaking her own world record to win.

National Sports Official of the Year – Joshua James

The National Sports Official of the Year Award was taken home by Noongar man Joshua James. Mr James is an AFL umpire and recently named the inaugural recipient of the AFL umpires scholarship for Indigenous umpires.

National Sports Media Representative of the Year – Hannah Hollis

Sports media personality and journalist Hannah Hollis took home the Sports Media Representative of the Year Award. Ms Hollis is known for her work in covering AFL and other major sporting events. Ms Hollis is passionate about promoting women’s sports and has been an advocate for increasing visibility and opportunities for female athletes in the media.

National Sports Coach of the Year – Jessica Skinner

Barkindji woman Jessica Skinner won the Sports Coach of the Year Award. Ms Skinner is a trailblazer in rugby league, breaking barriers for Indigenous women and coaches. She is the first woman to coach the Indigenous All Stars, and has coached the Jillaroo’s, the First Nations National Championships, and the Newcastle Knights.

National Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Telaya Blacksmith

The Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award was won by Telaya Blacksmith, a proud Walpiri woman and rising star in para-athletics. At just 16, she represented Australia at the Paralympics, breaking Australian Under 20 and Open records in the 400m and long jump. Telaya also won three gold medals at the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games and competed at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in France. Her record-breaking performances at such a young age have established her as one of the country’s top para-athletes.

National Sportsperson Lifetime Achievement Award – Lionel Rose

The National Sportsperson Lifetime Achievement Award went to the late Gunditjmara boxer Lionel Rose. Lionel Rose (1948–2011) was a trailblazing boxer and the first Indigenous Australian to win a world title. Growing up in poverty in rural Victoria, he overcame significant challenges to become the WBA World Bantamweight Champion in 1968. In addition to his boxing accomplishments, Rose’s legacy is marked by his courage in overcoming adversity and his role as a trailblazer for Indigenous athletes in Australian sport. This award was accepted by friends and family of Lionel Rose

National Sportsperson Trailblazer of the Year – Glenn James OAM

Yorta Yorta man Glenn James OAM won the National Sportsperson Trailblazer of the Year Award. Mr James made history as Australia’s first and only known Indigenous VFL umpire. He umpired 166 VFL games from 1977 to 1985, including two grand finals in 1982 and 1984. A key figure in his community, Mr James was a respected leader in his family and an inspiration to many, particularly in the Goulburn Valley region. His recognition as an AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree reflects his ground breaking contributions to both Australian sport and Indigenous representation in football. This award was accepted by friends and family of Glenn James.

Story credit: https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/these-are-the-winners-of-the-national-indigenous-sports-awards/w1fx3pel1