More than three decades into her celebrated screen career, Deborah Mailman has become the first Indigenous actor inducted into the TV Week Logies Hall of Fame.
The acclaimed actor received the honour at the 66th Annual TV Week Logie Awards on Sunday night (August 16th), using her acceptance speech to pay tribute to her family, career and the growing representation of First Nations talent on Australian screens.
Taking to the stage on Gadigal Country, Mailman dedicated the milestone to her parents, Wally and Jane, thanking them for the support they gave her when she decided to pursue acting. “I was born in Mount Isa, northwest Queensland, and we grew up near the old rodeo grounds. And when I had the dream to be an actor and to go to uni, my parents met my dream with nothing but love and encouragement,” she said.
Mailman recalled making the 24-and-a-half-hour bus journey between Brisbane and Mount Isa while studying, knowing her parents would be waiting for her when she arrived home. “Every time I made that 24-and-a-half hour bus ride on the Greyhound bus from Brizzy back home to Mount Isa, my mum and dad were always there waiting for me,” she said. “So yeah, this is for them.”
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Mailman, whose career across Australian film and television spans more than three decades, said she was “overwhelmed with pride” to become the first Aboriginal person to receive the Hall of Fame honour.
“As I look around the room, I’m so thrilled to see so many of our mob being celebrated tonight,” she continued, before singling out young Yamaji Noongar actor Eloise Hart among this year’s nominees. Mailman also thanked audiences who have followed her career over the past 30 years.
“To everyone watching at home, and all who’ve been with me sharing these stories that I’ve been part of for over 30 years, thank you for watching,” she said.
The actor closed her speech with a tribute to her husband, Matt Coonan, and their sons. “And finally, to my husband, Matt, who’s been by my side more than anyone. And to my boys, Henry and Ollie, I love you all,” she said. “Thank you so very much, everyone.”