Deadly Awards 2008 facts for kids
The Deadly Awards were a special event that celebrated the amazing achievements of Indigenous Australians. These awards recognized people who did great things in music, sports, arts, and helping their communities. The first awards happened in 1995. In 2008, the big ceremony was held at the famous Sydney Opera House on October 9. It was hosted by Luke Carroll and shown on TV channels like SBS and NITV a few days later, so many people could watch.
Music Stars
The Deadly Awards honored many talented musicians. In 2008, the award for Most Promising New Talent in Music went to Adam James. The Single of the Year was "History (I Was Born Blind)" by Gurrumul Yunupingu. His album, Gurrumul, also won Album of the Year. Gurrumul Yunupingu was also named Artist of the Year. The Band of the Year award went to The Black Arm Band.
A very special award, the Jimmy Little Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Music, was given to Auriel Andrew. This award recognized her long and important career in music. The APRA Song of the Year was "Never Let You Go," written by Jodie Cockatoo-Creed and Andrew Farriss.
Sporting Heroes
Many incredible athletes were also celebrated at the Deadly Awards. Chris Sandow received the award for Most Promising New Talent in Sport. In Australian Rules Football (AFL), Lance Franklin was recognized for his Outstanding Achievement. For Rugby League, Greg Inglis won the award for Outstanding Achievement.
The Female Sportsperson of the Year was Rohanee Cox, and the Male Sportsperson of the Year was Patrick Mills. The Ella Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Sport went to Michael Long. This award honored his lasting impact on sports.
Creative Arts
The arts section of the Deadly Awards celebrated talented people in dance, film, TV, theatre, literature, and visual arts. Sermsah Bin Saad (also known as Suri) was named Dancer of the Year. For Outstanding Achievement in Film, TV or Theatre, Trevor Jamieson and Scott Rankin were honored for their work on Ngapartji Ngapartji.
In literature, Anita Heiss and Peter Minter received the Outstanding Achievement award for their book, Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature. Stephen Page was recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment, especially for his work with the Bangarra Dance Theatre. The Actor of the Year award went to Leah Purcell. Finally, Michael Cook was named Visual Artist of the Year.
Community Champions
The Deadly Awards also recognized people who made a big difference in their communities, especially in education and health. For Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education, Paul Djolpa McKenzie was honored for his work at Maningrida CEC School.
Dr. Noel Hayman received the award for Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health for his efforts at the Inala Indigenous Health Service. "Uncle" Peter Hill was named Broadcaster of the Year for his show, "The Shout Out Show," on 98.9FM Queensland. The Young Leader of the Year award went to Matthew Cooke, who worked with the Nhulundu Wooribah Indigenous Health Organisation in Queensland.
