Kununurra GP Dr Stephanie Trust wins top honour at the East Kimberley Aboriginal Achievement Awards

A doctor who was the driving force behind establishing a youth suicide prevention program in Kununurra has received the top accolade at this year’s East Kimberley Aboriginal Achievement Awards. Giddja and Walmajarri woman Dr Stephanie Trust was awarded the Aboriginal Affairs Champion of the Year on Saturday night for being the driving force behind establishing youth mental health service Headspace in the East Kimberley. Dr Trust, who is the principal GP at Wunan Health and Wellbeing, was applauded by her family and colleagues as she accepted the award at Kununurra Picture Gardens. Judges said “she deeply understands the lack of GP options and services available within the East Kimberley. Dr Stephanie’s dream was for better health outcomes and continuity of care for her community.” “Responding to the high rates of youth suicide in the Kimberley, Dr Stephanie has been a driving force in ensuring Headspace services became available within the East Kimberley. Since its opening in Kununurra, one year ago, it has already had an amazing impact on local youth with the services regularly being utilised and growing in popularity.” There were co-winners of the Abbey Forrest Aboriginal Emerging Leader Award, with teenagers Tremane Baxter Edwards and Quintarnah Johnston both recognised for their work. Aquinas College student, Tremane Edwards, 16, said the award, “meant the world to him.” The Ngarinyin and Walmajarri teenager from Wyndham who studies in Perth has actively tried to promote cross-cultural understanding among young people by speaking at several schools on National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. He has also been involved in youth politics, including WA Youth Parliament. “I’m a quiet achiever but it is good to show people that just because we are from the bush doesn’t mean the city kids know more than us,” he said. Other award winners were Shirley Purdie (Aboriginal Elder Award); Dora Griffiths, (Aboriginal Outstanding Contributor to Culture and Community); Michael Tucker Merrison (Outstanding contribution to aboriginal education employment training and disability); Ngalangangpum School Warmun (Outstanding contribution to Aboriginal education employment training and disability); Gelganyem Seed (Aboriginal Business Enterprise of the Year); Sister Theresa Morellini (Non-Aboriginal Person of the Year); BRD Constructions, Maintenance and Glazing (Non-Aboriginal Organisation of the Year). The EKAAA is organised and presented by East Kimberley Aboriginal development organisation, Wunan.