Bowen Leader Receives NAIDOC Community Award

Kymbellie holding her flowers and award certificate Photo supplied: Kymbellie Butler

‍

Making a difference has never been about recognition for Kymbellie Butler, but her dedication to Bowen's young people and her passion for sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture has earned her the 2026 NAIDOC Community Person of the Year Award.

Presented by the Bowen Girudala Community Cooperative Society, the award recognises people who demonstrate a strong commitment to caring for, protecting and nurturing the Country and cultural values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

‍

“It was an incredibly humbling experience,” Kymbellie said.  

‍

“Walking up to accept the award in front of our Elders and the wider community was quite nerve-racking, but it was also a moment of immense pride.”

‍

While Bowen wasn't where Kymbellie Butler's story began, it's the place she now calls home. A proud Bundjalung woman from the Byron Bay region, Kym says a difficult childhood shaped her passion for making sure young people have the support and opportunities she once needed herself.

Today, Kym wears many hats across the community, all centred around supporting the next generation. She is a Student Engagement Officer at Bowen State School and, since joining PCYC Bowen last June, has progressed from Activity Facilitator to Community Development Officer and Lead Gymnastics Coach.  

‍

‍

In that role, she created safe and welcoming spaces for young people through youth drop-in programs and introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Award to the centre. This is an internationally recognised award that challenges youth to set and achieve goals across voluntary service, physical recreation, skills development and adventurous Journey.  

‍

“Seeing young people build confidence, develop new skills, and feel like they belong is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” Kymbellie said.  

‍

A large part of Kym's work centres on helping young people build a strong sense of identity to culture and country.  

‍

Through the PCYC Youth Leadership Team, she encourages local teenagers to care for their community by organising beach and community clean-ups, while at Bowen State School she helped establish a Torres Strait Islander dance group for this year's NAIDOC celebrations.  

‍

Supported by Torres Strait Islander volunteers who mentor the students and share their language, traditions and culture, the group has created an opportunity for young people to celebrate their heritage with pride.  

“Our stories, languages, traditions, and knowledge connect us to our ancestors, our communities, and to Country,” Kymbellie said.  

‍

“It's our responsibility to help keep those connections strong for future generations.”  

She's currently studying a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Secondary Teaching, driven by a desire to keep learning while helping others do the same.

‍

‍

“It is a community that I care deeply about,” Kym said.

‍

“I feel incredibly privileged to be able to give back through the work I do.”  

‍

Kymbellie thanked the people who have supported her throughout her journey, especially a woman she affectionately calls "Mumma Julz", whose love, guidance and encouragement helped shape the person she is today.  

‍

“Her love, guidance, and unwavering support have had a profound impact on my life,” Kymbellie said.

“I truly wouldn't be where I am without her, and I will always be grateful for everything she has done for me.”  

‍