This year's National NAIDOC Week Award Winners were announced at the 2023 National NAIDOC Awards ceremony, held in Meanjin (Brisbane) on Saturday.

The 10 award recipients were selected from almost 200 nominations from across the nation.

Under the new awards format, the National NAIDOC Committee had the difficult task of determining three finalists, and one winner in each award category, including the Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

This year's award recipients included Aunty Dr Naomi Mayers OAM, who was acknowledged with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

A renowned leader in Aboriginal affairs, Aunty Dr Naomi received the Lifetime Achievement Award after dedicating her life to the advancement of Indigenous health.

Australia's first Indigenous surgeon, Worimi man professor Kelvin Kong received the Person of the Year Award.

The Female and Male Elder Awards was awarded to proud Ngambri (Kamberri) Wallabalooa (Ngunnawal) and Wiradyuri Elder Aunty Dr Matilda House-Williams and proud Arrernte man and stolen generations survivor William Tilmouth.

Netballer Donnell Wallam was awarded the Sportsperson Award with former AFL footballer turned Indigenous food and beverage entrepreneur Daniel Motlop receiving the Innovation Award.

See the full list of award winners below

National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Aunty (Dr) Lynette Riley AO said the committee was challenged whilst selecting award winners based on the strength of nominees.

"The high calibre of nominees made the Committee decision very difficult," Dr Riley said.

"This year, we are pleased to be able to celebrate and share the achievements of so many more First Nations people by not only recognising winners in each category, but also finalists.

"I look forward to seeing what the award winners, particularly those who are early in their careers, will achieve.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney was in attendance at the awards, championing the upcoming Voice to parliament referendum whilst encouraging Australian's to participate in NAIDOC Week events.

"The NAIDOC Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of all the incredible finalists and nominees," Ms Burney said.

"I encourage all Australians to participate in NAIDOC Week and join the celebrations wherever you are.

"This year's theme, For Our Elders, is an opportunity to honour our Elders who have worked tirelessly to have the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people heard.

"It is because of their advocacy and activism that we can come together as we head towards the referendum for a Voice – a watershed moment in Australia's history."

2023 National NAIDOC Awards winners

Lifetime Achievement Award - Aunty Dr Naomi Mayers OAM

Person of the Year Award - Professor Kelvin Kong

Female Elder Award - Aunty Dr Matilda House-Williams

Male Elder Award - William Tilmouth

Sportsperson Award - Donnell Wallam

Youth Award - Courtney Burns

Creative Talent Award - Rachel Perkins

Caring for Country and Culture Award - Lala Gutchen

Education Award - Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre

Innovation Award - Daniel Motlop