These are the 2026 National NAIDOC Award finalists. These finalists exemplify the spirit of NAIDOC, which is a week-long celebration of Blak excellence across the Country.
National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award Category
Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO
National NAIDOC Person Award Category
Aunty Pat Turner AO
Dr. Lana Leslie-Henfling OAM
Mr. Timmy Duggan OAM
National NAIDOC Female Elder Award Category
Aunty Lorraine Peeters
Aunty Regina Pilawuk Wilson
Mrs. Christine Corby AM
National NAIDOC Male Elder Award Category
Dr. Dean Yibarbuk
Dr. Stephen Hagan
Mr. Oscar Colbung
National NAIDOC Sportsperson Award Category
Ms. Alex Wilson
Ms. Caitlyn Costello
Ms. Mariah Williams
National NAIDOC Youth Award Category
Mr. Brenton Woods
Mr. Levi Briggs
Mr. Tyson Neal-Edwards
National NAIDOC Creative Talent Award Category
Ms. Jodie Welsh
Ms. Kaylene Whiskey
Ms. Molly Hunt
National NAIDOC Caring for Country and Culture Award Category
Girringun Aboriginal Corporation
Miromaa Aboriginal Language & Technology Centre
Southern Aboriginal Corporation
National NAIDOC Education Award Category
Aunty Stephanie Armstrong
Ninti Training Ltd
The Aboriginal & Islander Independent Community School (The Murri School)
National NAIDOC Innovation Award Category
17x16CDP Youth Collective
Bars Behind Me
The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy