Indigenous leader wins reconciliation award

Respected Kimberley leader June Oscar has scooped a prestigious reconciliation award for her outstanding community health achievements and advocacy for indigenous rights.

The Bunuba woman and chief executive of the Marninwarntikura Fitzroy Women’s Resource Centre is the 2016 recipient of the Desmond Tutu Reconciliation Fellowship.

This award celebrates individuals doing extraordinary work in reconciliation.

Chairman of the Fellowships, Dr Charles Lane, said Ms Oscar was a worthy winner for her outstanding community health achievements in the Kimberley’s Fitzroy Valley and influence in forging indigenous rights policy at all levels of government.

Ms Oscar played a prominent part in introducing alcohol restrictions in Fitzroy Crossing in 2007 and has raised awareness of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder through her research and advocacy.

Dr Lane said one of Ms Oscar’s remarkable strengths was her amazing ability to bring about constructive discussion between conflicting and often angry groups.

Former Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce will present this year’s award at the Melbourne Town Hall on May 19.