Skip to main content
5-12 July 2026
Go to NAIDOC on Instagram

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images and voices of deceased people.

Ms. Caitlyn Costello

National NAIDOC Sportsperson Award Category
Caitlyn Costello, Sportsperson Award finalist

Caitlyn is a proud young Indigenous leader of Larrakia heritage through her father, with additional Argun and Arabana ancestry. Born in Darwin and raised in Humpty Doo, she embodies strength, discipline and determination across sport, service and study. 

Currently serving as a Leading Aircraftwoman in the Royal Australian Air Force, Caitlyn has quickly demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment since enlisting in 2023. In 2025, she was selected for the Australian Defence Force Women’s Rugby Union Team and appointed Co Captain for the International Defence Rugby Competition in England. Her outstanding performance earned her both the Most Valuable Player and Players’ Player awards.

Caitlyn’s journey reflects a deep commitment to helping others. Prior to joining the RAAF, she worked in the Department of Defence and as a support worker, discovering a passion for community service through her work with the National Disability Insurance Agency. She continues to pursue academic excellence, studying a Bachelor of Business while serving full time.

A talented athlete, she has represented Indigenous, state and national teams from a young age. Through her achievements, Caitlyn inspires others to pursue their goals, showing that with hard work and belief, anything is possible.

Welcome to NAIDOC.

We acknowledge all First Peoples of the beautiful lands on which we live and celebrate their enduring knowledge and connections to Country. We honour the wisdom of and pay respect to Elders past and present.