Meet the winners of the 2026 NAIDOC Awards!

The 2026 National NAIDOC Week Awards have celebrated the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations across diverse fields such as culture, Country, education, sport, science, leadership and community life. This year’s honorees include artists, educators, Elders, athletes and young leaders whose work spans from remote communities to the national stage. Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, praised the winners for embodying the spirit of NAIDOC, noting their contributions create positive change and inspire others. As the nation marks 50 Years of Deadly, the awards highlight the enduring impact of First Nations people on Australian society. Among the notable recipients is Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO, who has been posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Her contributions span culture, theatre, arts, dance, media, journalism and public life in Australia. Her legacy continues to inspire generations through the stories she championed, the voices she elevated, and the pathways she created for First Nations artists and communities. Another standout is Aunty Pat Turner AO, who has spent over five decades advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, wellbeing and self-determination. She was the first Aboriginal woman to lead a Commonwealth Government department, serving as CEO of ATSIC. More recently, she played a key role in shaping the National Agreement on Closing the Gap as Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks. The Caring for Country and Culture Award went to the Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC), a Noongar-led organisation operating in Western Australia. SAC focuses on integrating care for Country with care for people, offering programs that teach cultural practices, local knowledge and responsibilities to young people. Their initiatives include environmental rehabilitation, heritage restoration and employment pathways in land management. The Creative Talent Award was presented to Aunty Kaylene Whiskey, a Yankunytjatjara artist from Indulkana in the APY Lands of South Australia. Through Iwantja Arts, she blends Aṉangu cultural stories with contemporary art, producing bold paintings and multidisciplinary works that celebrate Aboriginal women, community and life on Country. Her accolades include the Sir John Sulman Prize and the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award. The Education Award was given to The Murri School, a community-controlled school in Acacia Ridge, Brisbane, with nearly 40 years of experience in educating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The school integrates First Nations knowledge, language and stories into its curriculum, from Prep to Year 12. Recent results show a 50 per cent reduction in suspensions and exclusions, with 82 per cent of its most recent Year 12 cohort achieving a Queensland Certificate of Education. These outcomes reflect the school’s commitment to culturally responsive education and student success. The NAIDOC Person of the Year Award was awarded to Pat Turner AO, continuing a tradition that dates back to the 1960s. Over the past four decades, 43 individuals have been recognized for their outstanding contributions across various sectors, including creative arts, law and justice, health, sport, medicine, media and advocacy. Many of these recipients have been at the forefront of the struggle for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, breaking barriers and inspiring generations. Notable past recipients include Charles Dixon, the first recipient of the ‘Aborigine of the year’ Award, and Oodgeroo Noonuccal, the first female recipient, who was also Australia’s first published Aboriginal poet. The history of the NAIDOC Awards reflects a rich tapestry of activism, creativity and leadership among First Nations people. From the early days of Charles Dixon and Oodgeroo Noonuccal to modern-day champions like Dr June Oscar, the awards have consistently highlighted individuals who have made lasting impacts on Australian society. The 2026 winners continue this legacy, showcasing the ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to national progress and cultural enrichment.