08 July 2024
An Aboriginal educator in the Pilbara who inspires young Indigenous students through health and fitness was named a finalist in the 2024 National NAIDOC Week Awards.
Tambrey Primary School Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer Natasha Leslie was recognised in the National NAIDOC Sportsperson Award category.
Tambrey Primary School Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer Natasha Leslie was recognised in the National NAIDOC Sportsperson Award category. Credit: ABC.
A proud Gummipingal woman of the Worimi people from New South Wales, Ms Leslie was highlighted for her hard work, dedication, and commitment to being a role model for positive change as well as for inspiring those around her to achieve their best.
After being selected in 2017 to participate in the Indigenous Marathon Project, a program showcasing the strength of Australia’s First Nations cultures and peoples on the world stage, Ms Leslie went on to run in the New York (2017), Berlin (2018), Chicago (2019), London (2023) and Tokyo (2024) marathons.
At Tambrey Primary School, Ms Leslie uses her experience to run a fun and educational health and fitness program that involves a range of games and activities to boost attendance, skills, abilities, and an understanding and enjoyment of physical activity and health.
Ms Leslie is a firm advocate for the link between physical and mental health and inspires her students to achieve anything they put their mind to.
The mother of four daughters, educator, athlete, and artist also lives with underlying health conditions that cause chronic pain. Despite this, she strives to be a role model for her family, her students, and her community.
Ms Leslie said she was speechless when she found out she was a finalist.
“I feel very privileged to be placed alongside such a high calibre of sports people,” she said.
“It is humbling to know that I am recognised for the work I do alongside a huge passion of mine, running, and sharing the importance of the benefits it provides for our physical and mental wellbeing.
“I think that being a finalist, who suffers from arthritis in my spine, and isn't an elite athlete, showcases that you can still do what you love and be successful even though you might not be the best.
“I hope this inspires the students I work with to continue to try new things and do what brings them joy. Stand tall and stand proud.”
Winners were announced at the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony in Tarntanya (Adelaide), on Saturday 6 July.
Proud Noongar man and world-class boxer Alex Winwood, who was born in Bunbury, took out the 2024 Sportsperson of the Year Award.
Winwood participated in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and in multiple world championships.
He has also become a role model for his community, often working with local schools to inspire students to pursue their interests.