Shannan Dodson elected as NAIDOC Co-Chair

The National NAIDOC Committee (NNC) has elected Yawuru woman Shannan Dodson as its new Co-Chair.

Ms Dodson succeeds Patricia Thompson who has stepped down from the Co-Chair role because of family commitments.

Born in Katherine in the Northern Territory and currently living in Sydney, Ms Dodson has worked in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs for over 16 years and a strategic communications and engagement specialist.

In welcoming Shannan to the role, NAIDOC Co-Chair John Paul Janke acknowledged Ms Thompson’s contribution to the Committee over the last 2 years as Co-Chair – and as a Committee member since 2012.

‘Pat’s wealth of experience and passion for NAIDOC Week brought significant strategic thinking that enriched NAIDOC Week each year and enabled its successive growth.’

‘The Committee thanks her for her outstanding contribution and we wish her all the best for the future,’ he added.

Ms Dodson was appointed to the NNC in 2017 and will serve an initial 3-year term as Co-Chair.

The National NAIDOC Committee make key decisions on National NAIDOC activities including the dates and national theme for the week-long celebrations, the selection of the National NAIDOC Award recipients and working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations and key stakeholders to help build on the success of NAIDOC Week.