Albany Noongar elder Oscar Colbung recognised for years of service to Aboriginal communities with major award

Menang Noongar elder Oscar Colbung has been recognised for almost four decades of service to Aboriginal families and communities, taking home a major award at the 2026 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards for regional WA.

Mr Colbung who is deputy chief executive of the South Aboriginal Corporation, won the Badgingarra Roadhouse Local Legend Award on Saturday in recognition of his longstanding commitment to strengthening Aboriginal families, preserving cultural knowledge and supporting future generations.

Raised on the Mt Barker Aboriginal Reserve, Mr Colbung dedicated much of his life to supporting people experiencing disadvantage and helping Aboriginal families access culturally safe services.

His work has included helping develop support services for women experiencing family violence as well as mentoring people who have gone on to become community leaders, advocates and workers.

Beyond his direct support for families, Mr Colbung has worked to strengthen cultural understanding by sharing Noongar knowledge with schools, health services and government organisations.

Through these efforts, he has helped build respectful relationships between Aboriginal communities and service providers while ensuring cultural knowledge and pride are passed on to younger generations.

His guidance and advocacy have also helped create spaces where Aboriginal people feel heard, understood and supported.

SAC congratulated Mr Colbung on the achievement in a post on social media, describing the award as a richly deserved recognition of his decades of services.

“Almost four decades of serving community, strengthening Aboriginal families and inspiring future leaders,” they said.

“Oscar we are incredibly proud of you, so richly deserved.”