Canberra Region Rugby League would like to congratulate Papunya Connors and Ash Barnes, who both received awards at the recent 2023 NAIDOC ACT Awards.
Papunya Connors, who currently sits on the CRRL's Judiciary Board and works as an Indigenous Advisor, was awarded the 2023 NAIDOC ACT Person of the Year.
Papunya is the Indigenous Support and Accommodation Cultural Practice Leader for EveryMan Australia’s Indigenous Support and Accommodation Team, the only community organisation to directly support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at risk of homelessness within the ACT.
Ash Barnes, the current ACT Schoolboys, Erindale College and Canberra Raiders Jersey Flegg Cup coach, was awarded the Coach/Administrator of the Year at the NAIDOC ACT Awards.
Ash was also previously successful coaching with the Monaro Colts, Woden Valley Rams and junior Canberra Raiders programs.
We congratulate both Papunya and Ash on their achievements and the tireless efforts they put into our rugby league community.
