Arabic version: جوائز NAIDOC لعام 2026 تكرّم قادة الشعوب الأولى

According to SBS News, the 2026 National NAIDOC Week Awards recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations contributing across culture, Country, education, sport, science, leadership and community life. The gala and ceremony announcing the winners took place in Mparntwe Alice Springs.

Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO received the posthumous Lifetime Achievement award for her contribution to culture, theatre, arts, dance, media, journalism and public life. Pat Turner AO was named NAIDOC Person of the Year, recognising more than five decades of work advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, wellbeing and self-determination. Turner was the first Aboriginal woman to lead a Commonwealth Government department as CEO of ATSIC and has been Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks.

The Caring for Country and Culture Award went to the Noongar-led Southern Aboriginal Corporation in Western Australia, whose work includes cultural property and leadership camps, environmental rehabilitation, heritage restoration and land-management employment pathways. Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey received the Creative Talent Award, while Brisbane’s Aboriginal & Islander Independent Community School, known as The Murri School, won the Education Award.

Christine Corby was named Female Elder of the Year and Dr Stephen Hagan received the Male Elder award. The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy won the Innovation Award for its culturally grounded support for young women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Caitlyn Costello received the Sportsperson Award, while Tyson Neal Edwards, who works in Fire and Land Management with the Victorian Government, was honoured with the Youth Award.