Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation founder Deanna Schreiber has been nominated in the 2017 NSW Australian of the Year Awards.
Mrs Schreiber, 72, of Cronulla, is the 2016 Sutherland Shire Citizen of the Year.
She is a finalist the NSW Senior Australian of the Year category.
Mrs Schreiber was praised by the National Australia Day Council work her work with the with the Sutherland Shire Aboriginal community over the past four decades in the areas of health, education and culture.
“A dedicated Aboriginal elder for more than 40 years, Deanna Schreiber takes her role as Aunty and mentor very seriously,” the National Australia Day Council statement said.
“She is loved and respected throughout the Sutherland Shire for her sage counsel and support for those in need. In 1994, Deanna was a founding member of the Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation, a not-for-profit established to provide local Aboriginal people with a safe meeting place and assistance in accessing government services.
‘’The strength and success of Kurranulla is largely due to Deanna’s dedication and commitment. She has worked diligently to improve outcomes for her community in health and education, and is always on hand to perform Welcome to Country ceremonies at cultural events.
‘’An accomplished artist, Deanna also has a deep passion to help others running through her veins. As a proud Gadigal woman, Deanne has worked hard to build meaningful and lasting bridges to reconciliation, voluntarily advocating for those with no voice, and sharing her cultural history with those ready to listen.’’
National Australia Day Council chief executive officer Chris Kirby said the NSW finalists are among 131 great Australians being recognised as State and Territory finalists in the Australian of the Year Awards.
“The NSW Award finalists are a remarkable group of people from many walks of life who inspire us with their drive and commitment,” Mr Kirby said.
The NSW Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero Award recipients will be announced on Monday, November 7 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.
The NSW Award recipients will then join recipients from all other states and territories for the national awards which will be held in Canberra on January 25, 2017.