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Finalists have been announced for the 2026 National NAIDOC Awards. Selected from hundreds of nominations, the NAIDOC Committee has recognised finalists across 9 categories for significant contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over the past five decades, consistent with the 2026 theme ‘50 Years of Deadly’.
The late Rhoda Roberts AO – a former nurse and Indigenous leader in arts, culture and media – has been awarded the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her transformative impact to the Australian arts and cultural landscape.
Notably, the Person of the Year Award showcases three individuals who have significantly contributed to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people in their roles; Aunty Pat Turner AO, Dr Lana Leslie-Henfling OAM and Timmy Duggan OAM.
Recently retired from her role as NACCHO CEO, Arrernte and Gurdanji woman Pat Turner AO has shaped the approach to Indigenous policy and governance through her numerous roles, including CEO of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. Pat also paved the way for shared-decision making and accountability through her role in negotiating and implementing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Kamilaroi woman Dr Lana Leslie-Henfling OAM has contributed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, education and advocacy for over 40 years. Amongst her numerous roles, Lana is the Co-Founder and Chair of Gii Bana Aboriginal Corporation, providing culturally safe wellbeing spaces for the Blue Mountains area in New South Wales.
Warumungu, Wagiman and Nyikina man, Timmy "Jappangardi" Duggan OAM is the founder of Hoops 4 Health Australia. The Indigenous-led organisation, based in Larrakia Country in the Northern Territory, adopts the power of sport to advocate for the health, wellbeing and leadership of participants, utilising the life experiences of its mentors with leading-edge trauma-informed neuroscience. Hoops 4 Health was awarded the Dedication to Health in a Remote Location Award in Rural Health Pro’s 2023 National Rural and Remote Health Awards.
Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service (WAMS) CEO Christine Corby AM, a Gamilaraay woman and former RDN Board Director, has been named a finalist in the Female Elder Award category. Her impact and leadership in the north-west region of New South Wales has created holistic and culturally safe approaches to healthcare. WAMS has recently celebrated their 40-year anniversary, where Christine was acknowledged for her contribution to the Service, starting in 1986. She also sits on the Board of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW.
Gamilaraay and Bigambul woman, Aunty Stephanie Armstrong, is recognised in the category of the Education Award. Since 1982, Stephanie’s work in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous education spaces has a culturally grounded foundation in various communities from Ceduna in South Australia, to the Pilbara and Kimberley regions in Western Australia. Her coordination with Indigenous-led education organisations and institutions is one of note, including her work with Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) to encourage and mentor Indigenous girls to pursue health careers.
The 2026 National NAIDOC Awards ceremony will be held on Saturday 15 August in Mparntwe – Alice Springs.