Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this post may contain images and names of deceased persons.

NITV Living Black host and proud Western Arrernte woman Karla Grant has recalled how, in 1983 she won the Miss NAIDOC Pageant in Canberra.

One of the requirements was a cocktail party at The Lodge where she subsequently met then-PM Bob Hawke and wife Hazel.

“In 1983 I entered the Miss NAIDOC Pageant in Canberra. It was held in the weeks leading up to NAIDOC Week in July of 1983. I was a reserved 17-year-old and had moved to Canberra from Adelaide earlier in the year to go to university. My dear aunty, who I was living with, encouraged me to enter Miss NAIDOC because she thought it would be good for my self-esteem and confidence, as well as a way of connecting with other young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

“All entrants needed a sponsor and mine was the NAC (National Aboriginal Conference). We had a week of lunches and interviews to attend where our general knowledge on Aboriginal affairs was tested. Then the big night came, a special event at the start of NAIDOC Week, and I was crowned Miss NAIDOC 1983!

“Being crowned Miss NAIDOC meant that you had several events to attend and one of them was a cocktail party at The Lodge. Bob Hawke was Prime Minister that year. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I remember borrowing a dress, coat, handbag and shoes to attend the event as I had very little money as a student on ABSTUDY. I remember arriving at The Lodge with several notable Aboriginal leaders who had also been invited.

“As we all walked into the foyer of The Lodge, Mr Hawke and his former wife Hazel were standing there ready to greet us. My turn came and I was introduced to Bob and Hazel by Uncle Ossie Cruse who is in the photograph. He knew I was nervous.

“Mr Hawke had the biggest smile on his face and in his trademark voice he said, “Miss NAIDOC. Miss NAIDOC!!” and gave me a hug. Bob and Hazel were lovely and I felt so incredibly lucky to be there – a little Aboriginal girl from Adelaide meeting the Prime Minister and being in The Lodge.

“I would never have dreamt that in a million years! But it was part of my journey into the world of Aboriginal affairs, politics, and media.”

Living Black screens 8:30pm Mondays on NITV.