A trailblazer who founded a local Aboriginal corporation providing wrap-around support for young people has received the 2026 Grace Roberts Memorial Community Development Award.
Jeremy Widders received the award at today’s Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards presentation at Yarrila Place.
The ceremony marked one of the headline events on the opening day of Coffs Harbour’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.
“I congratulate all of the award winners as their achievements make them stars for Mob and the wider community,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“The winners in each of the seven categories share a commitment to excellence.”
Widders established the Waagay Biliinyjarl Aboriginal Corporation, which provides cultural, social and practical support across Gumbaynggirr Country.
Its programs include cultural camps for people of all ages and backgrounds, and a youth bus providing free transport on Fridays and Saturdays between Red Rock and Nambucca Heads.
Other major award winners
Aunty Award
Aunty Nicola Neve
Aunty Nicola is an Aboriginal Education Officer at Bellingen High School, where she organises events and tutors Aboriginal students.
Uncle Award
Uncle Steven Skinner
Uncle Steven promotes the Gumbaynggirr language by teaching students and school staff and sharing knowledge of bush medicine and bush tucker. He also supports Aboriginal students and families through Personalised Learning Pathways, helping young people achieve their cultural goals.
Aboriginal Community Organisation or Business of the Year Award
Joint winners: Darrunda Wajaarr and Kulai Preschool
Darrunda Wajaarr cares for Country through cultural heritage, cultural practices and bush regeneration. Its community activities share knowledge with farmers, the broader community and future environmental caretakers.
Kulai Preschool provides care, support and education for young children.
Sports Achievement Award
Daniel Wilson
Daniel Wilson is a second-row player for the Southern Cross University Marlins and is recognised for his contribution to rugby union. Alongside his playing career, he supports junior and senior players from a range of cultural backgrounds.
Arts and Cultural Achievement Award
Karly Morris
Karly Morris is an Aboriginal artist whose work reflects cultural pride, storytelling and connection to Country. Her artwork has been commissioned by schools, sporting teams, health services, libraries and community organisations.
She has also supported connections between young people and community services through her involvement with National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy (NASCA) students at Orara High School.
Youth of the Year Award
Joint winners: Mila Tighe and Sapphire Rose Townsend
Mila Tighe is an Aboriginal student leader in Year 6 at Toormina Public School. She is recognised for her commitment to learning, sportsmanship, and sharing her cultural knowledge with staff and students.
Sapphire Rose Townsend is a Year 6 Aboriginal student at Tyalla Primary. Alongside her studies, she volunteers in the school canteen and enjoys dancing.
The Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards have been held since 1999 and are named, in part, after Aunty Grace Roberts, who worked tirelessly for her community.
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