Minister for Indigenous Australians
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.
