Six individuals and groups have been recognised for helping build stronger relations between First Nations and non-indigenous peoples in the Onkaparinga region in this year’s Mayor’s Reconciliation Week Recognition Awards.
Mayor Moira Were presented the awards at a ceremony at the council’s Noarlunga office on 3 June, marking the end of National Reconciliation Week.
The award recipients – listed below – were acknowledged for their contributions in business, sport, visual art, community programs and music.
Lara Tilbrook and Bush Organics Kangaroo Island
Lara Tilbrook, a visual artist, runs Bush Organics Kangaroo Island, an organics company producing medicinal honey, salves, soaps, beeswax and wild olive oil. Lara is committed to sustainable health and wellbeing, advocating for chemical-free habitats for pollinators and human communities. Lara cares for Country while directing her business and honours the cultures of the Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Narungga nations on which she lives and creates.
Willunga Football Club
When a member shared racist social media content, Willunga FC responded swiftly, issuing a public statement acknowledging the harm caused and deregistering the individual involved. This kind of accountability matters. To name racism, act decisively and uphold values – even when it's uncomfortable – sends a powerful message about what inclusive culture looks like. Willunga FC demonstrates that reconciliation is how you show up when it matters.
Marley Ware, Tatachilla Lutheran College
Marley is an exceptional Indigenous student at Tatachilla Lutheran College who uses extraordinary artistic skills to share her Mirning and Wirangu culture. She designed and created Indigenous guernseys for year 12 students using cultural techniques and symbols and mentored younger Indigenous students in mural production. As an emerging artist, her series of nature paintings – all acrylic on canvas – was exhibited at the Fleurieu Arthouse in McLaren Vale in April.
Christie Downs Community House
Christie Downs Community House actively supports inclusive, culturally respectful activities that build understanding, inclusion and connection by partnering with First Nations organisations including KWY, Aboriginal Family Support Services, Aboriginal health services, ACHL Aboriginal Community Housing and Neporendi Aboriginal Forum. The centre brings people together through a range of programs including weaving circles, consultations, meals, youth activities, support groups, men’s programs and health.
Quentin Eyers and the Willunga Gospel Groove Choir
As part of Voices for Reconciliation, which brings together voices across Australia for National Reconciliation Week, Quentin Eyers and the Willunga Gospel Groove Choir embody the spirit of reconciliation through music. The choir performed this year’s Voices for Reconciliation song, Midnight Oil’s timeless call to action ‘Beds are Bunning’, at the awards and has also performed this song at the Willunga Farmers Market.
Tracie Turnbull
As a volunteer, Tracie Turnbull has for 2 years curated the Stardust Identity: First Nations Women Artists at the Arts Centre in Port Noarlunga. Featuring artists from 8 tribal groups, the exhibition explores identity, belonging, healing spirits, cultural pride, and obligations of caring for community and Country. As one of the artists says, “Tracie is happy that us artists come together and show our talent to the community without asking for anything in return.”
Nominations were also received for 2 previous recipients who continue to advance reconciliation within Onkaparinga. Sonder Closing the Gap Southern Team supports First Nations clients to manage chronic health conditions through culturally safe, person‑centred care. Cultural leader, advocate and relationship-builder Louise Shepherd has been a committed member of the Joining Hands and Minds network for 9 years, including 5 years as co-chair.
Held every year from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.
It is a time for all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements. It encourages every Australian to explore how they can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is ‘All In’, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day.
During the week, the City of Onkaparinga launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (Innovate) 2026–28.
The Innovate RAP is a further step along the council’s journey of reconciliation. Among other initiatives, the Innovate RAP explores what truth telling could look like in our region and institutes cultural competency training for all council staff and elected members.
Artwork for the Innovate RAP and for this year’s awards – Weaving Onkaparinga – was created by artist Allan Sumner, a descendant of the Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Yankunytjatjara peoples. Weaving Onkaparinga is a visual representation of connection, reconciliation and community, reflecting the diverse cultures, histories and aspirations of the City of Onkaparinga.
See the council’s website for further information on reconciliation in Onkaparinga.
Pictured from left
Nancye Turnbull on behalf of Tracie Turnbull, Mayor Moira Were, Quentin Eyers for the Willunga Gospel Groove Choir, Marley Ware, Leanne Murphy for the Christie Downs Community House, Lara Tilbrook, and Brenton McDonald for the Willunga Football Club