PROUD Gomeroi and Euahlayi man, Harry Phillip Hall from Walgett, has been named Male Elder of the Year at the 2025 National NAIDOC Awards ceremony, held in Perth at the weekend ahead of NAIDOC Week celebrations across the country.

Mr Hall, born in a segregated blacks-only labour ward at Walgett District Hospital in 1946, was raised on a riverbank with no running water, sewerage or electricity.

He is the last remaining survivor from Walgett to assist the 1965 Freedom Ride to overcome racism in the Walgett Aboriginal Community.

Mr Hall’s employment in Indigenous Affairs stretches more than 60 years, including his community and consultancy work.

National NAIDOC Week Male Elder of the Year Harry Phillip Hall, from Walgett (Image: Senator Malarndirri McCarthy).

He was New South Wales Aboriginal Lands Trust advisor for the late Charlie Perkins, and has helped co-ordinate the NSW Annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knock-Out Carnival – Koori Knock-Out – for the past 40 years.

This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week celebrations, with the 2025 theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.

The NAIDOC Awards recognise individual excellence and celebrate the strength, culture and leadership of First Nations people, with the National NAIDOC committee considering more than 200 nominations before selecting finalists and winners.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said this year’s NAIDOC celebrations mark an incredible achievement – 50 years of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture through a week of activities.

“There is no better way to recognise the strength, vision and enduring legacy of past generations than by celebrating the achievements of exceptional individuals at the NAIDOC Awards,” she said.

“I congratulate the finalists and winners for their remarkable achievements and for exemplifying the true essence of NAIDOC Week.”

National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair, Professor Lynette Riley said 50 years of NAIDOC fills her with pride.

“I see so much strength and heart in our communities, especially in our young people who are stepping up with purpose,” she said.

“Our finalists and winners truly inspire me. Their passion, their vision, and their deep love for culture give me real hope for the future we’re all working towards together.”

Celebrations continue today in Moree with Moree Boomerangs Mini Debs at SHAE Academy from 5.30pm and a barbecue lunch and damper-making competition at Moree Hospital at 11am.

On Wednesday, a Naidoc Sitting Day will be observed at Moree Abcare’s Balo Street offices and a Dhiiyaan Cultural Day will be held at SHAE Academy between 10am and 2pm on Thursday.

Anglicare will also launch its Reconciliation Action Plan between 2pm and 3pm, Thursday.

An ASU-NAIDOC flag-raising ceremony will be held at Moree Court House at 11am on Friday and the following day, Moree Junior Rugby League Club will host the girls’ tackle Naidoc Week Cup at Boughton Oval for 13s, 15s and 17s teams.

2025 NAIDOC National Award winners

Lifetime Achievement Award: Mr Michael Long

Person of the Year Award: Dr Daniel Hunt

Female Elder Award: Aunty Rosalie Kickett

Male Elder Award: Uncle Harry Phillip Hall

Sportsperson Award: Miss Danielle Ponter

Youth Award: Miss Anika Gosling

Creative Talent Award: Ms Christine Anu

Caring for Country and Culture Award: Wadjemup Project Steering Group

Education Award: Professor Eddie Cubillo

Innovation Award: Blak Brews