2026 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards
The Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards (Regional NAIDOC Awards) are an annual event that celebrate and promote the achievements of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations based in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven area.
The event is organised collaboratively by four Councils: Shellharbour, Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven. The first Regional NAIDOC Awards were held in 2011, hosted by Shellharbour City Council.
This year’s event is hosted by Wollongong City Council and will be held at the University Hall, University of Wollongong on Saturday 18 July 2026. The Awards will be a key part of local celebrations for National NAIDOC Week 2026. The national theme is 50 Years of Deadly, marking five decades of NAIDOC Week.
The awards recognise the talents, achievements and outstanding contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond.
Additionally, the awards promote issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the wider community including working towards reconciliation.
Award Categories
The Regional NAIDOC Awards celebrate the amazing contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in seven different categories:
• Elder of the Year (Aunty or Uncle)
- NAIDOC Aunty of the Year
- NAIDOC Uncle of the Year
• NAIDOC Community Member of the Year
• NAIDOC Young Achievers of the Year (x2)
• NAIDOC Caring for Country and Culture
• NAIDOC Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year
• NAIDOC Organisation of the Year (Not-for-Profit or Business)
• Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal or Non-Aboriginal)
Sponsorship
The 2026 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards gives local businesses and organisations a special opportunity to show their commitment to local Aboriginal culture and excellence.
Becoming a sponsor of the Awards will give you valuable exposure to a diverse audience of professionals, respected community leaders and potential clients. The event is also expected to attract considerable media attention.
As a sponsor, you will play a key part in showcasing local Aboriginal contributions, achievements and talent. You will also help create a memorable evening that celebrates the rich culture and history of local communities, and demonstrates an important step forward in our joint commitment to reconciliation.
Proceeds from your sponsorship will contribute to supporting Elders attend the event, securing high profile Aboriginal performers, and investing back into local Aboriginal businesses who are procured for the Awards ceremony.
Download a Sponsorship Package to learn more about this opportunity.
To become a sponsor, click here to fill out the online form, or complete and return the above paper form to Wollongong City Council by Friday 10 April 2026.
For more information, please call Julie Street-Smith at Wollongong City Council on (02) 4221 6237 or email participate@wollongong.nsw.gov.au.
Nominations
Nominations are open until 5pm, Friday 20 March 2026.
Do you know a person, organisation or business from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community making a difference? Whether they have been an inspirational role model or accomplished something great, their efforts deserve recognition!
An independent selection panel will review all applications and determine the winners.
The winners will be announced at the 2026 Regional NAIDOC Awards Ceremony to be held on Saturday 18 July 2026, at the University Hall, University of Wollongong.
Download our Nomination Package to learn more.
To make a nomination, click here, or complete the above form and return it to Council by Friday 20 March 2026.
Ticket Sales
Tickets for the Awards event will go on sale in early May. Please check back for more details.
