Aboriginal Honour Roll launched in Wyndham Vale

Wyndham is celebrating the community contributions of Aboriginal people after the launch of a state honour roll at Wyndham Vale library last week.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Natalie Hutchins opened the Aboriginal Honour Roll for nominations at the launch last Tuesday.

The roll, which has a permanent home in the Victorian Parliament, will be on display in Wyndham Vale until April 14.

It will then move on to Wangaratta, Geelong, Horsham and Healesville.

Mayor Peter Maynard said it was an honour to host the launch in Wyndham.

“Wyndham hopes to see a record number of nominations from the municipality,” he said.

“Inductees’ achievements are recorded in the honour roll book … as a legacy for future generations and a testament to the nominees’ values in our community.”

To date, 64 people have been recognised on the roll for their achievements in fields including health, education, justice, sport, the arts, community leadership and military service.

Nominations are assessed by an advisory panel made up of five distinguished Aboriginal Victorians.

The panel then recommends a shortlist to Ms Hutchins for a final decision.

Inductees for 2015 will be announced at an event in Melbourne later in the year.

Ms Hutchins urged Wyndham residents to nominate dedicated and determined Aboriginal people from the community.

“[The launch] is about paying tribute to those who have been nominated so far, and encouraging Victorians to nominate someone they know who has made a difference.”

To nominate

Visit bit.ly/1bQeY60

Laura Michell