Awards 2020

HELEN FEJO-FRITH

BAGOT COMMUNITY

Nominated by Mary Wignell - Seconded by Kelvin Costello

Helen has been a strong advocate and a tireless contributor on Indigenous issues for most of her life - from Beswick, Barunga, Katherine: Kalano Communities to Bagot Community in Darwin where she has lived for the past 21 years, Helen's strong community and family connections across the Top End region, have always strengthened her resolve to be a leader, a key contributor and a strong advocate for her people.

Helen is a highly respected Elder and has been a wonderful role model and mentor for her own family which includesl 0 children, 37 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. Helen was awarded the NAIDOC Female Elder in 2019 for her decades of contributions and advocacy to Indigenous and Non Indigenous Communities.

Two of her proudest moments were when two grand-daughters graduated from University - one as a Medical Doctor, the other as a Mental Health Nurse.

The vast majority of Helen's work is voluntary. She has been the 'go to' person on Bagot Community and worked with many service providers. Helen was the first Aussie Rules Coach in Australia, She also received a Prime Minister's Award from PM Paul Keating in 1993 for Women In Sport & Recreation.

Helen Fejo-Frith has been a strong advocate on Indigenous issues affecting the Bagot Community including - Health; Housing; Families; Education; and Domestic Violence.

Helen Fejo-Frith is a proud and strong Indigenous woman - an absolute legend. We congratulate you Helen and proudly welcome you as an NT Senior Of Excellence.