Deadly Awards 2012 facts for kids

The 2012 Deadly Awards were a special event held at the Sydney Opera House on 25 September 2012. These awards celebrated the amazing achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. They recognised talent in music, sport, entertainment, and community work.

The show was hosted by Luke Carroll and Casey Donovan. Famous singers like Jessica Mauboy and opera singer Deborah Cheetham performed. If you missed it, the awards were shown on SBS One a few days later, on 30 September 2012.

Celebrating Lifetime Achievements

The Deadly Awards honoured people who had made a huge difference over many years. These special awards recognised their lasting impact.

Sporting Legends Honoured

• Ella Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sport: This award went to Arthur Beetson for his incredible career in NRL. He was a true legend of the sport.

Music Icons Recognised

• Jimmy Little Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Music: This award celebrated the group known as The Sapphires. The original members – Beverly Briggs, Naomi Mayers, Lois Peeler, and Laurel Robinson – along with Tony Briggs were honoured for their contributions to music.

Leaders and Healers

• The Marcia Langton Award For Lifetime Achievement In Leadership: Percy Neal received this award for his strong leadership in the community.
• The Lifetime Contribution Award For Healing The Stolen Generations: Aunty Lorraine Darcy Peeters was recognised for her important work in helping people affected by the Stolen Generations. This refers to a sad time in history when many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were taken from their families.

Music Stars of 2012

The Deadly Awards also celebrated the best in music from 2012. Many talented artists were recognised for their songs and albums.

Top Music Awards

• Single Release of the Year: Jessica Mauboy won for her hit song "Galaxy".
• Album Release of the Year: Troy Cassar-Daley was awarded for his album Home.
• Male Artist of the Year: The talented Gurrumul Yunupingu was named Male Artist of the Year.
• Female Artist of the Year: Jessica Mauboy also won this award, showing her strong presence in Australian music.
• Band of the Year: The award for best band went to The Last Kinection.
• Most Promising New Talent in Music: Marcus Corowa was recognised as an exciting new artist to watch.
• Hip Hop Artist of the Year: The Yung Warriors were celebrated as the top hip hop act.
• APRA Song of the Year: "Biding My Time" by Busby Marou won this award. The song was written by Thomas Busby and Jeremy Marou.

Sporting Heroes of 2012

Many athletes were celebrated for their outstanding achievements in various sports.

Basketball and Rugby Stars

• Sportsman of the Year: Patrick Mills, a fantastic basketball player, received this honour.
• Sportswoman of the Year: Bo de la Cruz was named Sportswoman of the Year.
• Outstanding Achievement in AFL: Lewis Jetta was recognised for his great performance in AFL.
• Outstanding Achievement in NRL: Ben Barba was celebrated for his excellent skills in NRL.
• Most Promising New Talent in Sport: Boxer Damien Duncan Hooper was recognised as a rising star.

Achievements in The Arts

The awards also highlighted amazing work in film, television, literature, dance, and visual art.

Film and TV Successes

• Film of the Year: The powerful film Mabo won this award. It tells the story of Eddie Mabo.
• TV Show of the Year: The TV series The Straits was recognised as the best show.
• Male Actor of the Year: Jimi Bani won for his role as Eddie Mabo in the film Mabo.
• Female Actor of the Year: Deborah Mailman was awarded for her role as Bonita Mabo in Mabo.

Literature, Dance, and Visual Art

• Outstanding Achievement in Literature: Ali Cobby Eckermann was honoured for her book Ruby Moonlight.
• Dancer of the Year: Janet Munyarryun was celebrated for her incredible dance talent.
• Visual Artist of the Year: Vernon Ah Kee received the award for his outstanding visual art.

Community Champions

The Deadly Awards also recognised people and groups making a big difference in their communities.

Health and Education Leaders

• Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health: The Boodjari Yorgas Family Care Program was honoured for its important health work.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker of the Year: John Corowa received this award for his dedication to health.
• Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education: The Napranum Parents and Learning Group (PAL) was recognised for their efforts in education.

Employment and Cultural Advancement

• Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment: Gavin Lester from Boomerang Constructions was celebrated for his work in creating jobs.
• Broadcaster of the Year: Natalie Ahmat from NITV News was recognised for her work in broadcasting.
• Outstanding Contribution To The Stolen Generations: AbSec – NSW was honoured for their important work supporting those affected by the Stolen Generations.
• Outstanding Achievement In Cultural Advancement: The Tjanpi Desert Weavers from the NPY Women's Council were recognised for their amazing work in keeping culture alive through art.

The Sydney Opera House Award

• This special award was given to Thelma Plum, recognising her talent and connection to the iconic venue.