October 4, 2024
We are beyond excited to announce that our incredible tenant, Simone Riley, was honoured with the Midland NAIDOC Community Person of the Year Award at this year’s Midland NAIDOC Day celebration. Simone’s remarkable dedication to her community, combined with her resilience in the face of personal challenges, makes her a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Simone is an incredible example of someone who continuously goes above and beyond for those around her. As the primary caregiver for her four children and her brother’s children, she manages the many demands of family life while contributing to her local community. Despite facing health challenges, including COPD, Simone’s commitment to helping others has remained unwavering.
Her impact has been felt through various community initiatives, where her leadership and compassion have brought about real change. Most recently, she helped organise the first NAIDOC Week at Beechboro Primary School in 24 years—a milestone event that helped to foster cultural awareness and celebration within the school community.
Simone’s contributions extend far beyond NAIDOC Week. She is a frequent participant in the Voice of Hope workshops, which provide a healing space for women in the community. She actively assists in running the workshops, offering her support and wisdom to others. Her involvement has encouraged many women, including two teenage girls in her care, to join the sessions, where they have found support and community.
Simone has also dedicated her time to The Broken Crayon, a charity organisation where she volunteers by sorting donations and helping with warehouse work. She is always ready to lend a hand, stating, “I try to support others during hard times rather than just sitting down and feeling sorry for myself. I do this for the kids so that when I’m no longer here, they will be okay, and they have hope.” This selfless attitude defines her approach to life, always thinking of others and how she can contribute to their well-being. Simone has also been involved with G Justice, distributing hampers to those in need.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech at the NAIDOC Awards, Simone dedicated her award to her late mother, who instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility toward her community. Her mother’s legacy lives on through Simone’s work, and her contributions will no doubt continue to inspire those around her.
As she looks toward the future, Simone is excited to contribute further by joining Foundation Housing’s Committee of Residents and Tenants (CORT), where she will continue to be a resource for the First Nations community of tenants at Foundation Housing and in the City of Swan.
Simone Riley is more than just a tenant—she is a leader, a role model, and a cornerstone of her community. Congratulations, Simone, on this incredible achievement. Your contributions to the community are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you will continue to accomplish.
Stay tuned for more tenant stories and community highlights, as we continue to celebrate the remarkable individuals who make our communities stronger!