The 2026 National NAIDOC Week Awards recognised a range of creative and leadership figures, with reports from ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation highlighting the winners. The ceremony honoured individuals described as creative visionaries and respected leaders in their fields.
Among those celebrated was Rhoda Roberts, who was singled out by The Guardian as a “fearless, brilliant” promoter of First Nations culture. Roberts, also referred to as Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO in NAIDOC materials, received recognition for her extensive work in the arts and cultural advocacy.
Another notable honouree was Pat Turner, who was named among the First Nations leaders recognised at the awards, according to the National Indigenous Times. The event also drew attention from SBS, which noted that the next NAIDOC Person of the Year will be announced soon, joining a distinguished group of past recipients.
The awards form part of the broader NAIDOC Week celebrations, which are held annually to honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s ceremony placed a particular emphasis on the contributions of those who have used creativity and leadership to advance First Nations representation.
The specific categories and full list of winners were not detailed in the available reporting, but the coverage consistently pointed to a theme of recognising individuals who have made a lasting impact through their work. The Guardian’s description of Roberts as fearless and brilliant underscores the high regard in which the honourees are held.
With the NAIDOC Person of the Year announcement still to come, attention now turns to who will join the ranks of previous winners. The upcoming announcement is expected to draw further interest in the ongoing recognition of First Nations excellence across Australia.
