The winners of the 2026 National NAIDOC Awards have been announced, with Pat Turner AM crowned NAIDOC Person of the Year.
At a ceremony on Saturday night in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, ten awards were handed out across a range of fields, from Female and Male Elder of the Year to the Innovation Award. The awards recognise the leadership, dedication and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This year's recipients were selected by the National NAIDOC Committee from hundreds of nominations, with Ms Turner, an Arrernte and Gurdanji woman who this year stood down from her role as lead convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, taking out the main award.
National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Aunty Lynette Riley said the finalists and winners demonstrated the diversity and strength of First Nations communities.
"All of tonight's finalists and winners show the depth of strength, diversity and excellence in First Nations people right across the country," Professor Riley said.
"I am continually inspired by their passion, commitment and drive in their respective fields."
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the NAIDOC Awards "recognise the extraordinary achievements, leadership and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people".
"This year's winners embody the spirit of NAIDOC. They are leaders, advocates, artists, educators, innovators and community champions whose work is creating positive change and inspires others," she said.
"As we celebrate 50 Years of Deadly, we also celebrate the generations of First Nations people who have strengthened our communities and helped shape a better future for all Australians."
The 2026 theme, 50 Years of Deadly, celebrates five decades of recognising the strength, resilience, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people while elevating First Nations voices across Australia.
National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Steven Satour congratulated the finalists and winners, saying they contributed to the ongoing NAIDOC legacy.
"The NAIDOC Awards finalists and winners represent the culture, resilience and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," he said.
"I congratulate all finalists and winners; your achievements are a testament to your strength and contribute to the proud NAIDOC legacy."
Full list of 2026 NAIDOC Award winners:
Person of the Year: Aunty Pat Turner AO
Aunty Pat proposed the Closing the Gap Agreement, which was endorsed by all Australian governments, and throughout her career has championed the community-controlled sector while elevating the voices of First Nations organisations in national policy.
"Because of that Agreement, and the unity and collective strength of the Coalition of Peaks, we are beginning to shift the course for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country," Ms Turner said earlier this year.
"This is my legacy I leave for my people."
Lifetime Achievement: Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO
Aunty Roberts, a visionary cultural leader whose influence transformed Australia's artistic and cultural landscape, was posthumously honoured for her outstanding work.
A proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman from Bundjalung Country, she dedicated her life to elevating First Nations voices through storytelling, performance and cultural leadership. Her work transformed Australian arts and culture, created opportunities for First Nations creatives and helped challenge institutions to embrace truth, representation and Blak excellence.
Female Elder of the Year: Christine Corby AM
Ms Corby, a proud Gamilaraay woman and respected Aboriginal health leader, has driven transformative change in Walgett for nearly four decades. As founding CEO of Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service, she helped grow it from a small shopfront into a major community-controlled health service. She has also championed community initiatives and represented Aboriginal communities across health organisations, earning numerous honours including appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia.
Male Elder of the Year: Dr Stephen Hagan
Dr Hagan, a proud Kullilli/Kooma man from south-west Queensland, is a former diplomat, public servant, academic, entrepreneur, author and filmmaker. A prominent social justice advocate, he successfully campaigned against racist names and discrimination across Australian institutions and media. He has authored seven books and continues to work across writing and the arts.
Sportsperson of the Year: Caitlyn Costello
Ms Costello is a proud young Indigenous leader of Larrakia heritage, with Argun and Arabana ancestry, who has excelled across sport, service and study. A Leading Aircraftwoman in the Royal Australian Air Force, she was selected for the Australian Defence Force Women's Rugby Union Team and appointed co-captain for an international competition in England, where she won Most Valuable Player and Players' Player awards.
Youth of the Year: Tyson Neal-Edwards
Mr Neal-Edwards is a Gunditjmarra, Waddawurrung and Arrernte man dedicated to improving health, employment and connection to Country for Aboriginal communities. Through emergency management, cultural fire practices and community initiatives including Wathaurong Boxing and Djilang Runners, he has supported cultural heritage protection and inspires young people. A 2025 Indigenous Marathon Project participant, he uses running to promote wellbeing, storytelling and positive change.
Creative Talent Award: Kaylene Whiskey
Kaylene Whiskey is a celebrated Aṉangu artist from Indulkana in South Australia's APY Lands, known for vibrant works that blend traditional cultural stories with popular culture. Working from Iwantja Arts, she celebrates Aboriginal women, community and connection to Country while challenging stereotypes. Her work — which has earned major recognition, including the Sir John Sulman Prize and Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award — is held in collections across Australia and internationally.
Caring for Country and Culture Award: Southern Aboriginal Corporation Ltd
The Noongar-led organisation is dedicated to caring for Country, protecting cultural knowledge and strengthening connection to land. Through programs including Walitj Mia Mia and Nowanup, SAC provides on-Country cultural camps where young people learn from Elders while taking part in environmental and heritage restoration.
Education Award: The Aboriginal & Islander Independent Community School (The Murri School)
The Murri School is a community-controlled independent school in Acacia Ridge, Brisbane, which is celebrating 40 years of culturally grounded education. Its Connected Curriculum integrates First Nations knowledge, Yagara language, cultural programs and leadership from Prep to Year 12, supporting academic success while strengthening cultural identity.
Innovation Award: Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy
The Young Indigenous Women's STEM Academy is an Indigenous-led initiative creating culturally safe pathways for First Nations young women into science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through mentoring, youth-led governance and partnerships across education, research and industry, it builds confidence, skills and connections while supporting future researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders.
