Ten Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and a Caring for Country project were recognised at last night’s National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony for their outstanding contribution to their communities and the nation.

The awards night was held in the host city of Adelaide as part of 2015 NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, presented the prestigious Youth of the Year Award to Chris Tamwoy from far North Queensland and said each of the award recipients deserved to be honoured for their significant achievements.

“The award recipients have excelled in their chosen fields and have demonstrated passion and determination to improve the lives of people on a local, national and even international scale,” the Minister said

“It was an honour to present the Youth of the Year Award to 19 year old Chris Tamwoy – an inspirational role model, self-taught musician, and strong supporter of reconciliation and constitutional recognition.

“Chris and the other award recipients are working towards a more secure future for Indigenous Australians and it’s an honour to have been at the awards alongside them.

“I congratulate all of this year’s award winners.”

The 2015 National NAIDOC Award recipients are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Tauto Sansbury, South Australia
• Person of the Year – Rosalie Kunoth Monks, Northern Territory
• Female Elder of the Year – Veronica Perrule Dobson, Northern Territory
• Male Elder of the Year – Graham Taylor, Western Australia
• Caring for Country – Warddeken Caring for Country Project, Northern Territory
• Youth of the Year– Chris Tamwoy, Queensland
• Artist of the Year – Daren Dunn, New South Wales
• Scholar of the Year – Michelle Deshong, Queensland
• Apprentice of the Year – Ashley Farrall, Queensland
• Sportsperson of the Year – Ryan Morich, Western Australia