Congratulations to Kate Malpass, physiotherapist at the Richmond Football Club, who recently won ‘Youth of the Year’ at the 2013 National NAIDOC Awards in Perth on Friday, July 12.

The awards highlight the outstanding contributions Indigenous Australians make to improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond.

The recipients were chosen for their promotion of Indigenous issues in the wider community, or the excellence they have shown in their chosen field.

Malpass, 24, from the Noongar people, who are the traditional land owners of the area surrounding Perth, Western Australia, was the first Aboriginal physiotherapist to work for the Richmond Football Club.

She has been defying the odds since birth. After being told she would never have full strength in one of her arms, Malpass went on to play, and excel, in every sport at school.

At just 13 years of age, she was part of the under 16 National Championships for basketball. Malpass has been part of two national championship basketball teams, including the Perth Lynxs team, which she captained to victory.

Off the court, Malpass has completed a degree in physiotherapy and now lives in Melbourne, and is a valuable contributor to Richmond’s fitness department, as a physiotherapist.

An outstanding role model, Malpass also mentors for the David Wirrpanda Foundation and is passionate about helping younger girls through the Deadly Sista Girlz Program.

Both the Korin Gamadji Institute and the Richmond Football Club congratulate Kate on a wonderful achievement.

Click here for more information about the 2013 National NAIDOC Awards.