Indigenous stars honoured at Dally Ms

By PETER ROWE

Indigenous rugby league stars Nicho Hynes and Kimberley Hunt have been named the 2024 Ken Stephen and Veronica White Medallists at the NRL’s Dally M Awards in Sydney.

The medals recognise the efforts of players who have committed time off the field to community projects.

Hynes, a proud Wiradjuri and Darkinjung man, and Cronulla halfback, took the honours from a quality field of finalists who made significant contributions within their communities in the areas of physical and mental health, education and First Nations community support.

He is a vocal advocate for a range of indigenous programs both within the NRL and across the wider community. An Indigenous All Stars representative, he also serves on the NRL advisory board for Indigenous issues.

Hynes was instrumental in the development of the NRL’s Diversity and Anti-Racism Program ‘One Heart’, as well as supporting the School to Work program and the ‘MegaJaws’ program, assisting with clinics for children and adults with disabilities.

Hunt, a proud Wakaid woman from Badu Island, is an Indigenous All-Stars representative who has shown exceptional dedication to community service since joining the St George Illawarra Dragons this season, particularly in supporting the local Indigenous community.

She has been a key driver of the ‘Healthy Deadly Kids’ program and other initiatives with the local Aboriginal Medical Service, promoting healthy lifestyle choices in Indigenous youth.

Despite relocating to Wollongong, Hunt remains committed to her Far North Queensland roots and balances her athletic career with her passion for mental health advocacy, particularly for young Indigenous people.