We at JdM are thrilled and delighted to announce that author Graham Akhurst has been recognised as a 2024 National NAIDOC Week, ‘Creative Talent Award Finalist’!

From the website:

‘NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair, Dr Aunty Lynette Riley recalls, “when I think back to the first calls to arms by our old people to challenge the Centennial Celebrations and to let the world know we have survived and held our ground for sovereignty in this Country, I know they knew the struggles were just starting and would continue for many generations. The people who have been nominated and recognised as finalists in all our NAIDOC categories, epitomise the ongoing fight for rights and demonstrate our ongoing excellence. I am in awe of all our people’s strengths, perseverance and congratulate them all for ‘Keeping the Fires Burning’”.

After a careful consideration of numerous outstanding nominations, these exceptional individuals have been chosen to represent the values of NAIDOC, a week-long celebration that proudly showcases the achievements and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across the country.’

We are so proud of Graham and this well-deserved finalist recognition of his considerable contributions to the cultural literary space. Not only did he become a debut novelist last year with Borderland (UWA), but he is a Lecturer of Indigenous Studies and Creative Writing at UTS, has been a Fulbright Scholar in New York, and is a board member of the First Nations Artists and Writers Network and Varuna. Congratulations and best of luck, Graham – and to all the other finalists too!

This year’s National NAIDOC Week Award winners will be announced at the National NAIDOC Week Awards Ceremony on Saturday 6 July 2024 in Tarndanya (Adelaide) on Kaurna Yerta (Country).