BY JEM ANSHAW
Meet Steven Fordham, winner of the 7News Indigenous Achievement Award and overall NSW/ACT Young Achiever of the Year. The 29-year-old found out in March that he was a finalist in the 7News Young Achiever of the Year Award, however the presentation night was postponed with hopes it would still be a gala affair.
“I was actually quite blown away cause there’s so much youth talent that was out there and so many people achieving so many amazing things,” Steven said of the achievement.
“It’s great to see so many youths out there striving and doing some really amazing things to change this country for the better,” he said.
When asked why he does all that he does, with not only business but involvement in the Local Aboriginal Land Council and running an indigenous inmate employment program, his answer was quite simple.
“I think what we put into the world is what we get out of it,” he said.
“I think the main thing is that I do what I do because I care and I think that’s one thing that we need to do is just put more focus on, everyone changing their bit.
“Everyone’s always been business is about making money, that’s pretty much the name of the game, but with me it’s not, it’s actually more of a sociable outcome.
“I want people to see that you can actually operate a sustainable business and at the same time to try and to help people get on the right track in life.”
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced Mr Fordham as the 7News NSW/ACT Young Achieve of the Year via recorded message at the online awards ceremony.
“What a fantastic achievement, you and your community should feel so proud,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Not only is youth on your side, but you have shown amazing entrepreneurship in regional NSW, you have shown amazing enterprise and resilience, and you are also a wonderful ambassador to our indigenous Australians and I am so proud of you.
“The very best for 2020 and beyond, and we look forward to seeing what you will do next.”
