Qantas Group has honoured eight employees and allies at its 2026 NAIDOC Awards, recognising leadership, allyship, partnerships and community connection across Qantas and Jetstar during a NAIDOC Week that marked 50 years of the national celebration.

IOC Crewing Coordinator Jasmine Fitzgerald was named a First Nations Employee Champion for her engagement with First Nations initiatives, including her involvement in the Daramu Network.

"Being recognised during NAIDOC Week is really special," Ms Fitzgerald said. "The work I do fills my cup to give back to mob and community, and honour my ancestors."

Fellow Employee Champion Charlie Simpson was recognised for leading with authenticity and respect for culture and community.

Community Champion Tibius Satrick was honoured for his work with the Clontarf Foundation and local rugby, supporting young First Nations people to build confidence and positive pathways, while Partnership Champion Ramon Valentino was recognised for championing the rights and aspirations of First Nations young people through the Australian Government's First Nations Youth Advisory Group.

Rising Star Kirralee Smith has progressed from school-based trainee to graduate and emerging leader. Jade Kalnitis, Deputy Chair of the Daramu Employee Network, received the Inclusive Leadership Excellence award, while Trish Perry was named First Nations Ally Champion and Emma Harbrow received the Trailblazer award for her cultural leadership.

Group Chief People Officer Catherine Walsh said the awards celebrate "the pride, resilience and connection that help bring reconciliation to life across the Group".

"As we mark 50 Years of Deadly, it's an opportunity to reflect on how far we've come and what the next 50 years will bring," Ms Walsh said. "Through the good times and the challenges, we stick together, feel that pride and come together with generosity."

Group Manager First Nations Engagement Belinda Murdoch, a proud Wiradjuri woman, said she was "particularly proud to see winners represented from across both Qantas and Jetstar, demonstrating that reconciliation is everyone's responsibility and that meaningful impact can be achieved in every role, every team and every part of our business".

"Whether you are championing community partnerships, supporting First Nations colleagues, mentoring future leaders or advocating for change, your actions help bring our Reconciliation Action Plan to life," Ms Murdoch said.

"I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together and grateful to walk alongside so many deadly people who continue to make reconciliation real every day."