4.+Community+Life

Influential Aboriginal person within the community:

Paul Briggs

Paul Briggs is one of the most influential Indigenous leaders within the community of Shepparton. Paul lives in Shepparton with his wife Kaye, with whom they have 5 children and 5 grandchildren together. He is regarded as an inspirational community leader who has played a significant role in the betterment of over 6000 Indigenous members of the local region. He was the founding chair of the First Nations Credit Union, which was the first Indigenous credit union offering national access to financial services.

'In 2003, Paul was awarded the "Order of Australia Medal" in recognition of his service to the Indigenous community within the areas of sport, education health and employment' ([|www.unimelb.edu.au]). In 2009, Paul was also a state finalist for Victoria in the "Australian of the Year Award", again in recognition for his outstanding contribution to the Indigenous community.

Not only is Paul an influential member in the Shepparton community, but he is also a prominent well-known figure in Victoria as well as Australia. He is a very busy man who currently has the following roles:
 * First Nations Foundation – Director
 * Koori Resource and Information Centre - CEO
 * Rumbalara Football/Netball Club – President
 * Academy of Sport Health and Education – Board member
 * Common Fate Endorsed – co-founder
 * University of Melbourne Council - Councillor
 * Premier’s Drug Prevention Council - board member
 * Victorian Qualifications Authority – founding board member
 * Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG) – steering committee member