NOVA’S STORY
Nova Peris – Aboriginal
Nova Peris is a descendant of the Gija people of East Kimberley, the Yawuru people of the West Kimberley & the Bunitj Clan of the Gagudju people of West Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
Born on February 25, 1971, in Darwin, Northern Territory, she is also a dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights and reconciliation, and has been recognised with several awards for her contributions to sport and society.
Young Australian of the Year
Over the past three decades, Nova Peris has consistently demonstrated excellence, whether in sport, politics, or community work. She has been a leader in advocating for Indigenous Australians, striving to improve opportunities for her people while advancing her own achievements. Peris was awarded the Order of Australia in 1996 and named Young Australian of the Year in 1997, reflecting her remarkable contributions to sport and society.
Demonstrated Leadership
On 7 September 2013, Nova Peris became the first Aboriginal woman elected to Federal Parliament, delivering a powerful maiden speech on 12 November that highlighted the struggles of Aboriginal people and her own life journey. During her three years in Parliament, she tirelessly championed Indigenous rights, addressing issues like racial discrimination, inequality, and land rights with honesty and determination. Peris inspired pride in Aboriginal identity while working to change attitudes across Australia, leaving a lasting legacy as a strong and compassionate leader.
A timeline of Nova’s extraordinary life…
1971
1988
Diploma in Aboriginal Health Promotion Aged care and Patient Transport officer
1990
Became a Mother when daughter Jessica was born
1991
AFLNT Community Development Officer
1992
Selected in the Australian U/21’s Hockey Team
1993
1996
Won Gold Medal with the Hockeyroos at Atlanta Olympic Games
1997
Retired from the Hockeyroos after playing 97 caps for Australia and switched sports to Track & Field
Young Australian of the Year
1998
2000
First Olympic Torch bearer in Australian Olympic Torch Relay
Reached Semi-Final of 400m at Sydney Olympic Games
Fourth in 4x400m relay Final at Sydney Olympics
Inaugural board member and National Patron for Beyond Blue
2002
Daughter Destiny is born
National Treaty Facilitator for the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) Actively
lnvolved With the NSW ‘Good 4 Kids-Good 4 Life’ Hunter Valley healthy eating campaign
Involved In the implementation of the Strong Community Life alcohol responsibility strategy in QLD
lnternational Human Rights Ambassador for the World Health organisation and Griffith university Youth Suicide Prevention program
2003
Son Jack was born
Published autobiography, Nova-My Story
2005
Involved in Economic Development with the Department of Families and Housing
Community Service and Aboriginal Affairs (FaHCSIA)
2006
Development of communications strategy and implementation strategy for the Child Health Check
Coordinating 104 national Aboriginal community events for the Department or Health & Aging (DoHA)
2009
Media marketing and events coordinator with ‘Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies’ (AIATSIS)
2010
Established three separate ‘Girls Academies on behalf of the Northern Territory Government at Nightcliff, Sanderson and Dripstone schools
Co-ordinated the ‘Learn – Earn – Legend Careers Expo
Consulted with the Kimberley Land Council
International Ambassador for Hepatitis Australia
2011
Co-Ordinated The Long Walk and Dreamtime at the G’ entertainment AFL
2012
Established the Nova Peris Girls’ Academy (NPGA)
Serving the NPGA as Director and Operations Manager of this female intense mentoring program
2013
First Aboriginal Woman elected to Federal Parliament
2017
The Principle Advisor for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Involved in Sport and Recreation Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing and Community Participation
Patron for the Australian Aboriginal Doctors’ Association (AIDA)
Chairperson for The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island National Sporting Hall of Fame, tasked With establishing a permanent home for the Hall of Fame
Board Member AFL Sports Ready Program
2018
Project Manager for VicSport, Developed and established VicSport’s reconciliation action plan (RAP) through a working group
Spearheaded the ‘I’ll Stand With You’ campaign on racism in sport (Including producing a five-minute documentary about safe, fair and inclusive participation in Sport for all)
Developed and produced two audio-visual resources one with Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) on discrimination in sport and inclusion in sport
Established the Inaugural Inclusion Award (the Peter Norman Inclusion Award) for VicSport’s awards night
Announced the NT Winner of the Australian Awards for excellence in women’s leadership
Published her second autobiography, Nova Finding My Voice
Son Jack named NAIDOC Sportsman of the Year
2019
Principal Advisor Aboriginal and Community Engagement with Melbourne Water
Appeared on reality television show Australian Survivor which was filmed over in Fiji
2020
Founded and Established the Nova Peris Foundation
2021
Was honoured with a 2.6m Bronze Statue Unveiled In Fed Square, Melbourne
Son Jack was drafted to AFL club St Kilda
2022
Asked by the Australian Federal Government and Royal Australian Navy to act as official sponsor and commissioning lady of the Australian Navy’s newly launched ship, NUSHIP Arafura;
2023
Inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame
2024
Appeared on reality television show Dancing With The Stars
