A capacity crowd in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall has crowned its latest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievers at the 15th Deadlys awards.
Performers Jessica Mauboy, the Doonooch Dancers, Street Warriors and Casey Donovan were among those who helped celebrate the night of nights for Black Australia in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall with nearly 2000 people.
Special guests included Governor General of NSW, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AO Governor General of Australia, Vibe Australia Managing Director Gavin Jones, educator and advocate Chris Sarra, Young Australian of the Year Tania Major, star of Stone Bros Leon Burchill, Sydney Swans star Michael O’Loughlin and Samson and Delilah’s Warwick Thorton to name a few.
People travelled from across the country, from Cairns and Elcho Island in North East Arnhem Land to western Australia and all other states to be welcomed to Eora country and the annual gala evening by host Luke Carroll who is riding the tide of success with his recently released movie Stone Bros.
From more than 8000 nominations made from people right across Australia, there were 80 finalists vying for a coveted Deadly award and Deadly ring – something worn proudly by winners over the years.
With 20 categories voted on by the community, four decided by the newly formed Deadly Academy of past winners and the Jimmy Little Award and Ella Hall of Fame there were plenty of winners on the night.
It was literally the who’s who of excellence in sport; music; health; education; employment; film; media; art and design; literature; and theatre – nominated by the community and voted on by the community.
Executive Producer of the Deadlys and Vibe Australia director Gavin Jones said this year’s Deadlys was the best yet.
“It’s amazing how much talent there is amongst our people and its always a surprise on the night, because you never really know how the community will vote,” he said.
“Shining stars like Jess Mauboy who we first saw in Tamworth and is herself a past Deadly winner, clearly shows the level of talent – that’s just in music!
“Over the past 12 months, we have seen Black Australia stand up and be applauded with the likes of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu’s resounding success around the world; Patrick Mills’ draft to the NBA; Anthony Mundine’s taking of the IBO super middle weight world title; Jamie Soward as top point scorer in the NRL and fellow footballer and newcomer Jamal Idris announced as NRL Rookie of the Year; while Rohanee Cox who won most valuable player in the WNBL.
“As well as sporting and music achievements, we have seen Warwick Thorton’s film Samson and Delilah nominated as Australia’s official entry in the Academy Awards and helped celebrate 20 years of the Bangarra dance company.
“As always, the Deadlys are a showcase of the strength, pride, talent and determination of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Winners of the 15th annual Deadlys and 2009’s most celebrated achievers are:
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Most Promising New Talent in Music
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Single Release of the Year
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Album Release of the Year
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Band of the Year
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Male Artist of the Year
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Female Artist of the Year
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Outstanding Achievement in RNB and Hip Hop
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Contribution to Music
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APRA Song of the Year
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Most Promising New Talent in Sport
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Outstanding Achievement in AFL
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Outstanding Achievement in Rugby League
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Female Sportsperson if the Year
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Male Sportsperson of the Year
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Contribution to Sport
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Dancer of the Year
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Outstanding Achievement in Film
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Outstanding Achievement in TV
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Achievement in Theatre or Live Performance
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Outstanding Achievement in Literature
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Male Actor of the Year
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Female Actor of the Year
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Visual Artist of the Year
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Outstanding Achievement in Education
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Outstanding Achievement in Health
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Broadcaster of the Year
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Contribution to Employment
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