"I am not slowing down", Central West Indigenous elder Ralph Naden said after winning the Elder of the Year at the 2019 Dreamtime awards last Saturday.
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"There is more to do, and I love what I do," he said.
The Dreamtime Elder of the Year is awarded to an individual aged 60 and over who continues to achieve and contribute in one or more areas of society.
Mr Naden is 74 and was awarded an Order of Australia medal for service to the Indigenous community of Western NSW in January this year.
The Indigenous youth mentor received the award for his community work and tireless efforts to improve the outlook of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
"I was stunned when my name was called out," he said. "I was there to support my grandson, who was receiving an award. I am pleased. I am over the moon actually. Getting two awards in one year is pretty special.
"I didn't even have a speech prepared, but I managed to do okay and thank all the people who I should have.
Mr Naden said the pride he feels when he sees personal and professional growth in a young person is why he keeps going.
The proud Wiradjuri man who lives at Balladoran and runs an Aboriginal culture camp believes it is essential young Aboriginal people stay in touch with their culture.
"I have always said to people that Aboriginal culture is about education if you don't have knowledge of culture you might not survive because you need those skills. If you haven't got a good job and are not participating in the workforce, then life will be pretty hard for you. When young people come to me and tell me they have a car, and a job and the future looks good for them, they are the words I like to hear.
"Those words make me feel proud because I know I have mentored them and they've listened when I have told them not to look at their colour but to look at what they can do for themselves and their community.
"You must have respect for yourself, then the community will follow."
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Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
