2026 National NAIDOC Awards finalists announced as NAIDOC Week begins
The 2026 National NAIDOC Awards finalists have been announced, marking the start of NAIDOC Week 2026, which runs from 5 to 12 July.
This year’s finalists reflect the National NAIDOC theme ‘50 Years of Deadly,’ celebrating the First Nations Elders, organisers, artists and communities who have built and sustained the NAIDOC movement over five decades.
Alongside this year’s finalists, the late Rhoda Roberts AO has been named the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, honouring her extraordinary leadership and lasting impact on Australia’s arts and cultural landscape.
The National NAIDOC Committee considered hundreds of nominations before selecting finalists across the following categories:
Person of the Year Award:
- Aunty Pat Turner AO
- Dr Lana Leslie-Henfling OAM
- Timmy Duggan OAM
Female Elder Award:
- Aunty Lorraine Peeters
- Christine Corby AM
- Regina Pilawuk Wilson
Male Elder Award:
- Dr Dean Yibarbuk
- Oscar Colbung
- Dr Stephen Hagan
Sportsperson Award:
- Alex Wilson
- Caitlyn Costello
- Mariah Williams
Youth Award:
- Brenton Woods
- Levi Briggs
- Tyson Neal Edwards
Caring for Country and Culture Award:
- Girringun Aboriginal Corporation
- Miromaa Aboriginal Language & Technology Centre
- Southern Aboriginal Corporation
Education Award:
- Aunty Stephanie Armstrong
- Ninti Training Ltd
- The Aboriginal & Islander Independent Community School (The Murri School)
Creative Talent Award:
- Jodie Welsh
- Kaylene Whiskey
- Molly Hunt
Innovation Award:
- 17x16CDP Youth Collective
- Bars Behind Me
- Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy
Winners will be announced at the National NAIDOC Awards ceremony in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) on 15 August 2026.
Throughout NAIDOC Week, local events and activities will take place across the country, bringing communities together to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of First Nations people.
Find out more about the 2026 NAIDOC Awards finalists, and how you can celebrate NAIDOC Week.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“I congratulate the 2026 National NAIDOC Award finalists, whose achievements inspire and reflect the ongoing contributions of First Nations people.
“This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks an important milestone as we celebrate and recognise the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to support local NAIDOC Week events and activities across the country.”
Quotes attributable to National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair, Aunty Lynette Riley:
“These finalists reflect the strength, diversity and excellence of First Nations people right across the country.
“Their stories are a powerful reminder of why NAIDOC continues to matter after 50 years.”
Quotes attributable National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair, Steven Satour:
“The 2026 finalists represent the very best of our communities, strong, proud and continuing a legacy that spans more than five decades of NAIDOC.
“I look forward to celebrating with finalists in Mparntwe on 15 August.”