Tarwirri Hosts the National First Nations Law Awards 2024
Andrew Williams President of Tarwirri
Tarwirri proudly brought back the National First Nations Law Awards in 2024 after they had been absent for several years, an important and intentional step in recognising, celebrating, and elevating First Nations excellence in law. The return of the Awards reaffirms their significance as a national platform that honours achievement, leadership, and service across the profession, while inspiring the next generation of First Nations lawyers.
Hosted as part of the Tarwirri Gala, the 2024 Awards recognised outstanding contributions by First Nations lawyers, students, researchers, and organisations working to advance justice and self-determination. The recipients were:
National First Nations Law Student of the Year: Christine Conn
National First Nations Legal Researcher of the Year: Gemma Sentance
National First Nations Law Firm of the Year: Terri Janke & Company
National First Nations Junior Lawyer of the Year: Ganur Maynard
National First Nations Senior Lawyer of the Year: Brian Bero
National First Nations Barrister of the Year: Timothy Goodwin
The evening featured a powerful keynote by Brian Bero, a proud Torres Strait Islander man, senior lawyer, and longstanding Tarwirri member, who reflected on community, responsibility, and the enduring role of First Nations lawyers in shaping a just future.
Cultural celebration was led by Mitch Tambo, whose performance, alongside his dancer, brought incredible energy to the room, singing proudly in language and grounding the night in culture.
Tarwirri is honoured to have reinstated the National First Nations Law Awards and to continue ensuring that First Nations excellence in law is seen, celebrated, and valued now and into the future.
You can watch the highlights from the event at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QBS2DQywZo&pp=0gcJCU0KAYcqIYzv
