Miss NAIDOC Perth

Miss NAIDOC Perth is a leadership and empowerment program for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Perth, which culminates in the Miss NAIDOC Perth Crowning, held in Reconciliation Week each year in Perth.

Miss NAIDOC Perth 2013

Finalists

AMY SMITH

Amy is a 26-year-old Palyku woman. She grew up in Port Hedland and currently works as an actress at Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Theatre. Amy has been a flute player for 16 years and in 2004 studied Aboriginal Theatre at the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). She is currently acting and playing flute in the Yirra Yaakin show ‘Kaarla Kaatijin’ which means ‘to understand fire’ in Noongar. Amy decided to enter Miss NAIDOC to promote awareness about domestic violence, a topic she is passionate about. “I want to be part of an initiative that empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and I want to be a positive role model to not only other women but also my two sons,” she said. Amy is also passionate about acting and wants to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers to pursue their dreams.

— at Mira Studios & Equipment.

HARA HERDIGAN

Hara is a 21-year-old Noongar woman who works as a Freelance Model. Hara applied for Miss NAIDOC to be a positive role model for other young women, to be involved in the community and to further embrace her Noongar culture. Her goal is to share that knowledge with the wider community. Following the passing of her mother at early age, throughout High School Hara struggled with her identity. Now she embraces her identity as a multicultural woman, with Noongar, German, Irish and Filipino ancestry. “By being a strong community role model and using my personal experiences with identity, I want to use this opportunity to lead in my own way,” she said. In July, Hara will commence studying Mental Health at Marr Moorditj Training. Her interest in mental health stems from personal family experiences and her knowledge of the need to provide support to people with mental health concerns – and their families.

— at Mira Studios & Equipment.

HAYLEY THOMPSON

Hayley is an 18-year-old Noongar woman. She has represented Western Australia in netball and athletics and is a Youth Ambassador for Sports. She is currently studying a Certificate III in Sports and Recreation at Central TAFE, and a WA Certificate of Education at Sports Education and Development Australia, where she works as a Sport Development Officer. Hayley also works one day a week with Netball WA, organising the 2013 NAIDOC Netball Carnival, an event she has been participating in since she was 13. Hayley found encouragement to participate in Miss NAIDOC from people who noticed her as a hard working young woman who is able to balance education, work and sports with caring for her two-year-old daughter, Havarna. Hayley sees Miss NAIDOC as a great way to tell her story. “I would like to be a leader not only for my daughter but also for other families in the wider community. I would also like to encourage healthy lifestyles in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” she said. Hayley has found comradery in hearing the other ladies stories, and has found Miss NAIDOC to be a really inspiring and enjoyable experience.

— at Mira Studios & Equipment.

JADE DOLMAN

Jade is an 18-year-old Noongar / Arrernte woman who is currently studying a Bachelor of Science (Sport Science) at UWA. As a netballer Jade plays in State league for the Perth Lions, and works as an umpire, coach and competition coordinator. One of the most rewarding jobs she has undertaken is running the sport-based program for 5-13 year olds at The Rise in Maylands. She uses photography as her creative outlet, and was awarded the Top Student in Photography Award at Mt Lawley SHS in 2012, where she was also awarded as the Best All Rounder for 2012 for her leadership, academic, community and sporting achievements. Jade applied for Miss NAIDOC to meet other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women that share her desire to further the community. “I want to work towards ending the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people by being involved and learning more about my Aboriginal culture,” she said.

— at Mira Studios & Equipment

KAREN KELLY

Karen is a 28-year-old Yamatji woman. She has obtained a Bachelor of Social Science from Edith Cowan University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Curtin University. She is currently employed as a Youth Justice Officer at the Department of Corrective Services. She is participating in Miss NAIDOC to connect to her culture and sees it as an opportunity to positively contribute to the community. Karen also wishes to demonstrate that there are positive opportunities available to the younger generation. “I wish to raise awareness of the vast array of programs and resources available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. I would like to promote recreational, educational and artistic opportunities with the hope of building self esteem, encouraging engagement and breaking negative cycles,” she said.

— at Mira Studios & Equipment.

Amy Smith

Hara Hedigan

Hayley Thompson

Jade Dolman

Karen Kelly

Maree Ansey

Mikayla King

Sheldon Garlett

Teresa Moore

Zoe Moir

Photo shoot

Sunday 19th May, Mira Studios, Bassendean

Photographer: Carlo Fernandes

Fashion: Kaninda Designs

Miss NAIDOC 2013 Crowning

Saturday 25th May 2013, 6.30pm – 10.30pm

City West Reception Centre, Plaistowe Mews, West Perth

Tickets

Tickets to the Miss NAIDOC Crowning are just $40.00 each. Hurry, there is a limited supply of tickets.

To purchase a ticket:

- Call Helen Humes on 0409 110 829 or 9378 2522 or email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ;

- Pay in person at Djooraminda – 36 Arbon Way, Lockridge (9am - 5pm business days);

- You can also pay via online banking - please credit the Perth NAIDOC Committee, BSB 036 014, Account number 218 080, and note your surname (make sure you phone Helen first to ensure there are tickets left).

Children under 18 years can attend, but must be supervised by an adult.

Mentor

Shannon McGuire, David Wirrpanda Foundation

NAIDOC Perth Mentors

Glenda Kickett

Lois May

Jordin Payne

Krista McMeeken

Judges

Ailan Tran (Hancock Prospecting)

Robert Isaacs (Supporter and Community Member)

Daniel Morrison (CEO Aboriginal Alcohol and Drug Service)

Jacquie Jordan (Social Ventures Australia)

Glenda Kickett (Chairperson NAIDOC Perth)

Performers

Justina Truscott

St Georges Barber Shop Quartet

The Merrindas

Sponsors

Silver Sponsor: Hancock Prospecting

Bronze Sponsor: Department of Aboriginal Affairs

Supporter: Robert Isaacs

In-kind Sponsorship: Ebony & Ivory, Kaninda Designs, Hyatt Regency

For more information, please contact:

Lois May This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0429 836 580

NAIDOC This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (08) 6363 5346

Join our Miss NAIDOC Perth Facebook event.

To watch footage of the Moorditj Yorgas from 2012 please click here.