Alannah Mactiernan (Perth, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last Friday I was privileged to be invited to celebrate the life spirit of WA's Aboriginal community at the NAIDOC ball at the Perth convention centre. Over 1,100 frocked up to show their pride in their Aboriginal heritage and to celebrate their achievements and their determination to secure a place in the sun for their families. It was literally a brilliant finale to a successful NAIDOC Week.

Congratulations to those moordijt yorgas on the organising committee, chair Glenda Kickett, vice-chair Leah Bonson and executive assistant Tammy Solonec. Our office was delighted to be able to lend a hand to the deadly Jenna Wood to work on the program of events. And well done to the MCs—the talented Rachel Visser and Daniel Morrison and to the 2014 Miss NAIDOC, Ashlea Walley, whose intelligent and passionate speech did the Indigenous community proud. Thanks also to Mort and Viv Hanson for another great welcome to Nyoongar country.

It was brilliant to catch up again with people like Kyra Bonney, the winner of the 2014 Outstanding Woman in Resources award. Thanks also to the WA Shadow Treasurer Ben Wyatt for your great company, as usual, and for your tremendous leadership.