What a week, Bounty Ball, Bounty Day and The Council of Elders 2023 Norf’k Ailen Awards

What an amazing week we had last week. First up we had the Bounty Ball. It was so heart-warming to see orl dem letl salan wearing all their finery. When you see so many youngsters joining in to one of our oldest traditions, you can’t help but feel a huge burst of pride. They all danced beautifully and I was exceptionally glad I wasn’t one of the judges. It would have been a tough job.

It was great to see so many of the parents, grandparents and friends up on the dance floor, whether  willingly, ulla nort. Truly, it made my heart sing.

Anniversary Day (Bounty Day) was a turn up for the books. After all that nehsi weather wi bin hawe, it was a relief to see the sun shining brightly, although that wind had a bit of a chill to it. The turn out for the march was amazing, with so many from ya as well as dem frum o’er d’ wai. How lovely to hear the voices singing at the cenotaph and the cemetery. I was so proud to be a part of this, as I watched the families laying floral tributes, to songs like In the Sweet Bye and Bye, Let the Lower Lights be Burning and Du Wi Lors Awas Wai. Congratulations to the winning family on the day, the Evans family and Dylan Nobbs for his winning beard. Ken Christian and Duncan Edward presented the Norf’k Ailen Award to Gordi Hancherow (Douran) for her many years of support to awas community.

When I look back on the joy and togetherness of that day, I am comforted in the knowledge that, no matter what gets thrown at aklan, wi newa gwen forget awas kum frum.

The Council of Elders 2023 Norf’k Ailen Awards, organised by the Foremothers Group was an entertaining and educational night. It was so lovely to see the two groups of elegant and mesmerising Polynesian dancers; hear the thrum and rush of the drums; and learn about tapa clorth. Grateful thanks to Baunti Byuutis, Norf’k Ailen Wahines, Papahaia Drummers and Ahu Sistas.

The recipients of these awards have, once again, done Norf’k proud with all they do, sometimes behind the scenes and without most of us knowing. This amazing night, held at the RSL, was a wonderful way to pay homage to some of the many salan who du guud f’ aklan. Congratulations to each and every one of you!

Norfolk Island Awards 2023

Hannah Young Award – For Education/Inspiration: Pauline Reynolds

Pauline, as a researcher and historian has, and continues to use her academic skills to reclaim the history and lives of the Tahitian women of the Bounty. She has written several books and papers and is regarded an expert on her skills in Tapa Cloth Manufacture.

Arthur Quintal Award – Arts and Culture Award: Mikiela Christian-Reynolds
Mikiela has been involved as a student, and eventually, as a tutor of Polynesian Dance, which has taken her overseas to perform in Palau, Tahiti and also at the prestigious School Spectacular in Sydney Entertainment Centre, Australia in 2012. Her dance troupe ‘Baunti Byuutis’ perform regularly at various events on island. She has some 60 students currently under her tuition.

William McCoy Award – for Business and Innovation: Claire Quintal and Sharon Quintal
Claire and Sharon’s innovative and resourceful approach in their new business venture ‘Prinke’, has introduced a new and refreshing approach to shopping to the island, which has been embraced and welcomed by local shoppers and visitors.

John Evans Award – For Helping Above and Beyond – Kaye Evans
Kaye has been a nurse at the hospital for over 40 years. In addition to her normal duties, Kaye often makes out of hours visits to patients in their homes to attend to their dressings and various related health issues. Kaye’s ‘no nonsense’ persona hides her genuine and compassionate commitment to serving others through her chosen profession.

Thursday October Christian Award – Sports Award – Elle Dixon

Elle has represented Nof’k in her chosen sport of Lawn Bowls on a number of occasions at different Bowls Tournaments both here and in Australia. She has achieved remarkable results at such a young age. She has been a great ambassador for Norf’k Ailen.

Aunt Selina Buffett Award – Young Persons Award: Ryan Cooper-Buffett.

Ryan has demonstrated a willingness to participate in community service through his volunteering at the RSL Museum, Foundation Day and King’s Coronation celebrations and his commitment to the Cadets. This award recognises and encourages his willing service.

John Adams Award – Lifetime Achievement: Rosemarie Gaye Evans.

Gaye’s passion for preserving Norf’ks Culture in all its diversity, in particular the Norf’k laengwij, and her ongoing community service in many fields throughout her lifetime is worthy of this award.

Congratulations to all the recipients. Thank you to the Polynesian Foremothers Group and all of their support crew for proving such an amazing evening of culture and appreciation. Thanks to the RSL for the venue and food. I must say the serving staff were so polite and attentive, a real credit to the staff in the kitchen
…also thanks to Trent and Derms, for knowing which buttons to push and how often! 😉

Thaenks orl yorlye f’ aklan!