THE PILBARA BOASTS NAIDOC ROYALTY

Mr NAIDOC WA 2024 Kaymus Brierly and Runner Up to Ms NAIDOC 2024 Meeza Humphries

Kaymus Brierly was crowned WA Mr NAIDOC for 2024.

Kaymus comes from the the Pilbara, with his family roots in places like Marble Bar, South Hedland, Karratha, Wickham, and Roebourne.

Meeza Humphries was crowned runner up for WA Ms NAIDOC 2024. Meeza grew up in the West Pilbara town of Wickham, but now lives in the Kimberley.

Kaymus Brierly made the move to Perth, in order to enroll in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pre-medicine and health sciences program at Curtin University.

Kaymus is also actively pursuing opportunities in modelling, because he is passionate about fashion and photography. He is also motivated by the lack of indigenous representation in the fashion industry.

His career aspirations revolve around entering the healthcare field as a doctor or nurse, driven by his compassionate nature and desire to care for others.

Meeza Humphries is currently an Administrator at the Waalitj Foundation. She is also studying Graphic Design at North Metropolitan TAFE in Perth.

Outside of work and study, Meeza enjoys playing football for the UWA Football Club. One day she would like to combine her creative talents and love of sport, to fulfil her ambition, to design an Indigenous jumper for the Eagles or the Dockers.

Kaymus applied for Mr NAIDOC 2024 to challenge himself and grow personally. He said “I want to use my skills to further my leadership and be more more of an advocate for us young indigenous people.”

Meeza entered Ms NAIDOC to give back to her community, particularly by giving opportunities to those who face barriers due to location, race, or circumstances. Like Kaymus, she envisions empowering younger generations to pursue their passions without reservation or shame, fostering courage and confidence.

To his surprise and delight, Kaymus was crowned WA Mr NAIDOC 2024 and Meeza was thrilled to be awarded the runner up’s crown to Ms NAIDOC.

Kaymus and Meeza share a common belief that their success will inspire positive change and unity within the Indigenous community. They both hope their involvement will motivate other young Indigenous men and women to do what they want.

As Kaymus said “I think it's important to put yourself out there. Give it a go like you never really know and just be proud and don't let anyone's ideas or anything like that stop you because you know yourself.”

Meeza added “ If it doesn't work out. That's okay. You're not always gonna win’.

You can listen with the interviews with both Kaymus and Meeza on the links below.