National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards were first held in 1986 and recognize the sporting achievements of Indigenous and Islander athletes. The Awards were not held between 2004 and 2022.
Background
Cathy Freeman has won five National Sportswoman awards
The inaugural National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards were held at Adelaide's Hilton International Hotel on 6 September 1986.[1] The Awards were established to pay tribute to the contribution of Aboriginal men and women to Australian and international sport. Charlie Perkins, Secretary of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, strongly supported the establishment of the Awards and obtained Australian Government funding.[2] The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission continued funding after the department ceased to exist. Australian business also assisted with sponsorship.
Sydney Jackson, a champion Australian rules footballer and sports administrator made the following statements regarding the establishment of the Awards: the most exciting thing that has happened in Aboriginal sport outside individual achievement and recognition of Aboriginal sports men and women will go a long way towards encouraging you Aboriginal athletes to preserve in the development of their natural talents.[1] Clyde Holding, the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs stated at the inaugural Awards that 'formal recognition of the big contribution made to Australian sport by Aboriginals is long overdue.[1]
The inaugural Awards aimed to be a gala event replicating the ABC Sports Award of the Year and Australian Sport Awards ceremonies. Due to the costs of holding the Awards, it was proposed to hold them every two years.[1] Until 2003 the Awards were televised by either SBS or the ABC. Award ceremonies generally included performances by talented Aboriginal performers. David Gulpilil danced at the inaugural Awards.[1][2]
The inaugural Awards recognized a high number of former Aboriginal athletes. It was reported that never before had so many Aboriginal sporting champions congregated in one place.[1] At the Awards, Evonne Goolagong Cawley received her Sport Australia Hall of Fame gold medallion. She joined Lionel Rose and Polly Farmer as the only Aboriginal members of the Hall of Fame in 1986.[1]
NT - Phynea Clarke (Field hockey), Louisa Collins (Netball), Rose Damaso (Basketball/Netball), Bill Dempsey (AFL), Brian Dixon (Basketball/Baseball), Ivy Hampton (Darts), Ricky Peterson (Boxing), Bill Roe (AFL), Maurice Rioli (AFL), David Ross (AFL), Horrie Seden (Darts)
SA - Laura Agius (Netball), Bert Clark (administration), Michael Graham (AFL), Ken Hampton (Athletics), Walter Macathur (Athletics, Rugby league), Sonny Morey (AFL), John Kundereri Moriarty (soccer), Roger Rigney (AFL), Jim Stanley (Boxing), Faith Thomas (Cricket), Don Tschuna (AFL), Mark Tutton (Volleyball), Keith Warrior (AFL)
TAS - Erica Bartlett (Netball), Roger Brown (Cricket), Leonie Dickson (Netball/Basketball), Beverly Dillon (Netball), Greg Lovell (Woodchopping), Brian Mansell (Cycling), Doug Maynard (AFL), Maureen Stafford (Netball), Carl Thomas (Boxing), Brian Thomas (Judo)
National Junior Sportsman - Lachlan Wright (Soccer, Rugby league, Surf life saving)
National Sports Official of the Year - Maisie Austin (Basketball)
Special Achiever Awards - ACT - Caine George (Basketball); NSW - Natalie Bell (Soccer); NT - Bernie Devine (Powerlifting); QLD - Lorelle Morrissey (Field hockey); SA - Anthony Drover (Soccer); TAS - Sean Gower (Indoor cricket); VIC - Gundy James (Golf); WA - John McGuire (Cricket)[5]
National Junior Sportswomen - Rohanee Cox (Basketball)
National Junior Sportsman - Anthony Martin (Weightlifting)
National Disabled Sportswoman of the Year - Syripa Macer (Karate)
National Disabled Sportsman of the Year - Lee Towers (Basketball)
National Coach of the Year - Maisie Austin (Basketball)
National Sports Official of the Year - Gerard 'Jacko' Whitby (Athletics)
National Sports Innovation Award - Palawa Recreation Program
State Achiever Awards - ACT - Katrina Fanning (Rugby league); NSW - Scott Gardiner (Golf); NT - Graeme Smith (AFL); QLD - Michael Viti (Touch football ); SA - Lindsay Bassani (AFL ); TAS - Grant Brown (Boxing); VIC - Kamahl Lord (BMX ); WA - Shane Hearn (Athletics)
Special Tribute Award - Charlie Perkins for administration of indigenous role and achievements as a soccer player.
Special Contribution Awards - Bill and Maley Hayward (AFL) and Joy Cardona (AFL umpire)[8][9][10]
State Achievers - ACT - Bruce Martin (Water polo); NSW - Kevin Bloomfield (Field hockey), James McAllister (Sailing); NT - Bo Delacruz (Touch football); SA - Tim Ewen (Athletics); VIC - Barry Firebrace (Cricket); QLD - Jade Casey (Diving); TAS - Phillip Marshall (Field hockey); WA - : Beau Anderson (Darts);[13][14]
9th 2003
National Sportswomen - Bo De La Cruz (Touch football)
State Achievers - ACT - Katrina Fanning (Rugby league); NSW - David Peachey (Rugby league); NT - Sarrita King (Netball); QLD - Ashley Anderson (Swimming); SA - Joseph Milera (AFL); TAS - Nathan Polley (Boxing); VIC - Mungara Brown (AFL); WA - Bianca Franklin (Netball)[15]
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