Albany Menang elder and longstanding advocate Oscar Colbung recognised with community service award

Albany’s Oscar Colbung was recognised for his ongoing commitment to his community at the recent Community Services Excellence Awards at Optus Stadium.

The proud Menang elder and Southern Aboriginal Corporation deputy chief executive officer won the outstanding contribution — going above and beyond award at the ceremony hosted by the WA Council of Social Services on May 12.

The award reflects more than three decades of service to the Indigenous communities of the Great Southern and Wheatbelt since his start with the SAC in 1987, including founding the Family Violence Prevention Legal Service.

The community stalwart said the award came as a complete surprise.

“I was very humbled by it because it could have been any one of those other three nominees,” he said.

He said he had seen plenty of “ups and downs” in his time working in community services, but was proud to continue giving back.

“It’s good to get acknowledged for the work that you’ve done over the years, but you don’t set out to get awards, you work for the betterment of the community,” he said.

He said he wanted to keep working for as long as his health allowed him to, and pass on his values of speaking up for and supporting Indigenous communities.

“It’s about keeping the fire burning from the old people and hopefully passing on some of those standards and values and credentials on to the new generation,” he said.

“You don’t get here on your own, you rely on your team, so the staff at SAC played a big role in my achievements as well as the board. They’ve been very supportive.

“But overall, we’ve still got a long way to go in terms of achieving outcomes for our community, in terms of closing the gap for our mob, and it’s not an easy road.”

SAC chief executive officer Asha Bhat said the award was a “moment of real pride” for everyone at the organisation.

Ms Bhat was also a finalist for the leadership excellence award.

“His work reflects the heart of what we do — walking alongside community with care, respect, and accountability,” she said.

“I’ve learnt a lot from Oscar over the years, and I know many others have too.

“Oscar walks in two worlds — he advocates for his mob but also builds bridges with the broader community.

“In a region like the Great Southern, which is rich in culture but also marked by deep challenges, having someone like Oscar out front is essential.”