An indigenous artist named Maribyrnong citizen of the year on Australia Day hopes to use her voice to help people move forward on their journey together.
Francine Riches, who established a national program to support young indigenous people by connecting them with chaplaincy from their own community, said she believed the past should be remembered but that it could not be fixed.
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“We can’t fix the past, but we can manage the future and control the future,” she said
She said she was “very grateful” for the opportunity to be a voice for indigenous people.
“With our health services, we’ve got big gaps. Percentage-wise, we’re so far behind with our health services,” she said.
The head of the Western Young People’s Independent Network, Nexhmije Llugiqi, was named Maribyrnong’s young citizen of the year.
Also honoured on Australia Day were mayoral award winner Catherine Reichert, volunteer of the year Stephen Miles, business of the year Perfect Global Solutions, community group of the year Yarraville Community Centre, and emerging communities award winner Halima Mohamed.
