The City of Adelaide Council has awarded Ivan-Tiwu Copley, OAM the Lord Mayor’s NAIDOC Award for 2022, recognising his achievements in the local indigenous community.
Council says the ahe award recognises the outstanding achievement and service of an extraordinary Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community member who has made a significant contribution to reconciliation in the city.
A Peramangk – Kaurna man and respected Elder, Uncle Ivan-Tiwu is the longest serving member on the City of Adelaide Reconciliation Committee, dedicating 19 years’ service of valuable guidance and support.
The Lord Mayor’s NAIDOC Award is the latest accolade in a distinguished career, which also includes the 2012 Order of Australia Medal, 2009 South Australian of the Year and 2005 Premier’s Award for Community Achievement.
Lord Mayor and City of Adelaide Reconciliation Committee co-chairperson, Sandy Verschoor says Uncle Ivan-Tiwu is a devoted community leader.
“Uncle Ivan-Tiwu has displayed a deep commitment to reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities for more than 30 years and I am fortunate to have benefited from his incredible service,” said the Lord Mayor.
“He is a leading Aboriginal consultant and sits on a range of community committees focused on reconciliation, cultural learning, statistics, Australian history, missions and homes and the arts.
“Now retired, he has dedicated his life’s work, both professionally and personally, to achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal people, helping educate and provide awareness of the history, achievements and enduring culture that surrounds us all.
“Through our Reconciliation Committee, we are now working on achieving the goals of our 10th Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan and Uncle Ivan-Tiwu has been instrumental in developing these guiding principles and documents.”
One of the key features of the City of Adelaide Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-2024 is the use of Kaurna names for the city’s Park Lands and Squares.
“We strongly encourage the South Australian media to use the traditional Kaurna names in future reporting to recognise Adelaide’s heritage,” the Lord Mayor said.
