Fremantle’s no.1 ticket holder Dr Richard Walley has been recognised for his contributions as a champion of Aboriginal culture, named as the 2021 WA Senior Australian of the Year in a ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Perth on Thursday.

The WA award recipients will join those from the other states and territories for the national awards to be announced on 25 January 2021.

Professor Helen Milroy, who also sits on the AFL commission, took out the top honour when she was named the WA Australian of the Year.

For more than 25 years, professor Milroy has been a pioneer in research, education and training in Aboriginal and child mental health.

Walley was recognised for his guidance of people and organisations on their journey of reconciliation through cultural awareness, including Fremantle and the club’s Indigenous Program Partner, Woodside.

In his work, Walley shares his profound knowledge of language, cultural practices and historic injustices – cultivating a deeper respect and recognition of Aboriginal culture. He reinvigorated the practice of the modern-day Welcome To Country in Noongar Country, a ceremony that is now commonplace across Australia.

The award sits alongside a number of Walley’s honours, including an Order of Australia, Honorary Doctorates at Murdoch University and University of WA, and WA Citizen Of The Year.

Fremantle President Dale Alcock congratulated Walley for being recognised by the Australia Day Council.

“On behalf of the Fremantle Football Club, I would like to congratulate our no.1 ticket holder Richard Walley on receiving the 2021 WA Senior Australian of the Year,” Alcock said.

“At Fremantle, we have benefited greatly from his knowledge of and willingness to share his culture with our playing group, staff, members and supporters.

“We have long said that our club’s proud Indigenous history and heritage stems from the wealth of Indigenous players who have played, and currently play, for Fremantle, but Richard’s contribution off the field has been just as important.

“Our AFL and AFLW players affectionately refer to Richard as ‘Uncle Richard’ and I think that alone illustrates both the impact he has had and how highly regarded he is at the Fremantle Football Club.

“I’d also like to congratulate Professor Helen Milroy, an AFL commissioner and Australia’s first Indigenous doctor, who was named the 2021 WA Australian of the year."

National Australia Day Council CEO Karlie Brand congratulated the Western Australia award recipients.

“The 2021 WA Australians of the Year are an extraordinary group of people who contribute in diverse ways,” said Brand.

“Their achievements are inspirational and show us all how Australians can make a difference.”