Australian Medical Association in 2004.
Her involvement in the Victorian Indigenous Family Violence Task Force and the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Group gave her an opportunity to contribute to her community, and as such she was recognised for her efforts with the national NAIDOC Youth of the Year award and the Victorian Ricci Marks Young Aboriginal Achiever award in 2005.
Ms Ryan is an exceptional leader, not only for the Aboriginal youth, but for all Australians to aspire to be their best. As she said:
- Being Miss NAIDOC is a chance to represent my community and show other young people they can make their dreams and aspirations come true.
Ms Ryan continues to be an asset to the Aboriginal community in Geelong, working full time as an Aboriginal liaison officer with the MacKillop Family Services. I congratulate Ms Ryan on a thoroughly well-deserved title and the Wathaurong cooperative and all other indigenous communities on a very thought-provoking, enjoyable and successful NAIDOC week.