BERNIE Birch might be female of the year, but before Friday night she had no idea she was even in contention for the prize.
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Mrs Birch was named female of the year at Friday’s NAIDOC Week community awards for her work as the schools learning support officer at Bowen Public School.
“I’m female of the year and I don’t know why,” she said.
“I didn’t even know I was nominated, I was gobsmacked.
“I love my job and I just come here and do it.
“Being here is like being with family ... that these awards have come to Bowen is such a great acknowledgment for the school community.”
Mrs Birch’s colleague Adam Goolagong also received the male of the year award for his work as the school’s Aboriginal education officer.
The Canobolas Hotel’s Jordan Langlo was named trainee of the year and Cootes Centre volunteers Kim Morgan and Sharlene Wright received the Lynne Gibbs Memorial Award for community service.
Four hundred people attended Friday’s ceremony.
“It was fantastic,” Orange Aboriginal Lands Council CEO Annette Steele said.
“The calibre was so high this year the panel had a really hard time trying to pick just one person.
“This year has probably been our biggest for NAIDOC ... which is a real credit to the NAIDOC Committee and the community as a whole.
“It was just inspiring to see the community unified in protecting and celebrating our culture.”
Female of the year: Bernie Birch.
Male of the year: Adam Goolagong.
Lynne Gibbs Memorial Award for community service: Kim Morgan and Sharlene Wright.
Employee of the year (tie for first place): Ron Spencer and Tom Briesdon.
Service Provider: Wambigi - Aboriginal Community Support Service.
Trainee/apprentice: Jordan Langlo.
Sports person, senior male: Albert Ryan.
Sports person, senior female: Annette O’Neill.
Sports person, junior male: Trent French.
Sports person, junior female: Samantha O’Neill.The list of winners:
