Gunditjmara NAIDOC Award Winners 2025

Congratulations to the 2025 Gunditjmara NAIDOC Award Winners!

This year’s theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” celebrates those shaping the future, passing on knowledge, and lifting up community.

This years recipients voted by community and selected by the board are:

 Youth of the Year (Female): Alkira Couzens

At just 16, Alkira balances school, work, and a traineeship while teaching culture to little ones with pride and purpose.

 Youth of the Year (Male): Jake Proctor (Not photographed)

A newly qualified baker, Jake shows that hard work and dedication go a long way. A strong role model for young mob.

 Youth of the Year (Male): Kobi Chatfield

Kobi leads through sport and ceremony, designing uniforms and regularly delivering Welcomes to Country.

 Community Member (Female): Ashlee Bennett

Ashlee supports families with care and cultural safety through her work in family violence advocacy.

 Community Member (Female): Jess Chatfield

Jess teaches traditional weaving and shares history, keeping culture alive and strong.

 Community Member (Male): Levi Geebung

A cultural mentor, artist and proud dad, Levi empowers others through healing, art and knowledge.

 Elder of the Year (Female): Aunty Tracy Roach

Aunty Tracy inspires through her artwork and workshops, encouraging creativity and connection.

 Elder of the Year (Female): Aunty Roslyn Britton

Aunty Ros leads with strength and wisdom, supporting families through her cultural safety work.

 Elder of the Year (Male): Uncle Robert Lowe Snr

A founding leader of many Aboriginal orgs, Uncle Rob’s legacy is felt across generations.

Big congratulations to all our award winners