IT WAS a night of surprises for Kamilaroi man Russell Taylor AM on Friday, when he attended the 2018 National NAIDOC Awards in Sydney.
Not only was Mr Taylor named the male elder of the year, but he also received the honour in front of his children and their partners, who kept their attendance a secret until the night.
Mr Taylor was one of 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to receive awards, including a former Boggabilla man named the apprentice of the year.
“It was very emotional for me and a great privilege,” Mr Taylor said.
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“We don’t do these things for recognition, but when it happens – and particularly when it comes from your own mob – it’s extremely pleasing.”
It was an an evening that featured talent from the indigenous nation not only on stage but also behind the scenes.
Triple J breakfast news presenter Brooke Boney, a Gamilaroi/Gomeroi woman, was one of the evening’s hosts, and Armidale band Terra Firma – made up of Anthony Green, Matt Griffin, Richard Lockwood and Tony Green – performed.
Off-stage, former Tamworth man Matthew Webb worked in production with NITV.
Russell Taylor, male elder of the year
Mr Taylor’s citation called him “a tireless campaigner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people” for more than 40 years.
His roles in senior public service have included positions in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, the Aboriginal Development Commission, and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies.
“Throughout his career, Russell has advocated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to lead, drive and be involved in every process of change, and has inspired action in many.”
Mr Taylor said that, although he was semi-retired, he was still on several boards and committees because “I want to make a contribution to better lives and better life choices for indigenous Australians”.
Although born and raised in Millers Point, Mr Taylor said he proudly identified as a Kamilaroi man with a connection to traditional country and family in the New England region.
He said his family – and earliest memories – came from around Caroona and Walhallow.
“My dad always talked about ‘back home’ and … considered places like Tamworth and Barraba as his traditional country, and my brother and I adopted the same attitude to that part of the world,” he said.
Mr Taylor’s wife Judi, children Louise, Rebecca and Paul, and their partners, were there to see him receive the honour.
Folau Talbot, apprentice of the year
Folau Talbot, formerly of Boggabilla, was the second Kamilaroi man honoured on the night.
The dental technician was named the apprentice of the year.
Mr Talbot works for the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, and visits Boggabilla, Mungindi, Moree and Inverell monthly with a mobile denture clinic.
“It’s given me the opportunity to give back to my community and surrounding communities,” he said.
“The best thing about it is putting a smile back on somebody’s face.
“I can’t explain the feeling.”
Mr Talbot left the region for Sydney about three years ago.
He’d started out as a dental assistant with Queensland Health, then applied for and won a Poche scholarship, which allowed him to complete a diploma in dental technology.
He was supported at the awards ceremony by his mother Shena McGrady, sister Nicka Talbot, best friend Jemma Chao and his “Poche family”.
“It was amazing,” he said of the award.
“I only wanted to be recognised in my little community, but this is just … I never dreamt of this.”