Three Aurukun Shire Council councillors this week attended a special ceremony in Cairns, as they were presented with their prestigious Order of Australia Medals (OAMs) by the Governor of Queensland (His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey) for their ‘services to the Indigenous community of Cape York Peninsula’.
Cr Ada Woolla, Cr Edgar Kerindun and Cr Vera Koomeeta all received OAMs at the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort ceremony yesterday (27 May), while two other Aurukun residents – Doris Poonkameyla and Sarah Wolmby – had also previously been awarded medals in January’s initial announcement.
Aurukun Shire Council Mayor Dereck Walpo said the OAMs were special recognition for not only the recipients, but for the community of Aurukun in general.
“We are so proud of our new OAMs, and their awards are thoroughly deserved,” said Mayor Walpo.
“We are a small community, so to see so many local residents receiving an OAM this year is quite incredible.
“We’re passionate about making our community the best it can possibly be, and I think these awards are another reflection of that.
“On behalf of all Aurukun residents, I’d like to offer our congratulations to all five recipients on their special achievement.”