MIDLAND man John Mogridge was named WA community person of the year at the 2026 Perth NAIDOC awards earlier this month.

For more than 20 years, Mr Mogridge has worked closely with the community on many projects to showcase the richness and contributions of Aboriginal people and culture.

Currently in the role of Aboriginal partnerships and development at the City of Swan, Mr Mogridge also participated in and led Moorditj Maaman – an Aboriginal men’s group that operated successfully out of Indigo Junction in Midland for many years, Lullaby legacy for Noongar men.

A founding member and chair of Karlup Aboriginal Corporation, Mr Mogridge said he was thrilled with the award which he saw as a real vote of confidence.

“I am very proud of the community development and youthwork over the years as well as the progression of Weeip Park in Midland and the start-up of Karlup, among other things,” Mr Mogridge said.

“Over the years, I have enjoyed working closely with the community on many projects.”

Mr Mogridge was also a winner of a WA Youth Works award ‘Pathways to Peace’ in 2015.

“Fortunately, I have always been given a broad scope to work with and as a founding member and co-chair of the Karlup Aboriginal Corporation, I have a strong personal and professional connection to the City of Swan area,” he said.

As a father of four daughters with eight grandchildren, Mr Modridge said he really values the opportunities he has had to work together with the community and build a better and brighter future.

Indigo Junction chief executive officer Sharon Gough said Mr Mogridge was inspirational and his work had a huge impact in guiding Indigo Junction in its cultural ways.

“John has created outstanding outcomes for the community and real momentum for Aboriginal people,” Ms Gough said.

“His involvement has been central to changing the way men connect.”

City of Swan mayor Tanya Richardson said this was a wonderful achievement for Mr Mogridge.

“His tireless advocacy and cultural leadership make him a deserving recipient of this coveted award.”

The annual NAIDOC Perth awards celebrate outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence across WA and are an annual prelude to the national NAIDOC week which ran across Australia from July 5 to 12.

As the winner of the WA community person of the year award John will now go forward to the national NAIDOC awards ceremony in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) on August 15.