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.
Shellharbour City Council has the honour of hosting the 2025 Regional NAIDOC Awards! This year’s event will be held at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Saturday 26 July 2025 from 4pm - 9:30pm.
The Regional NAIDOC 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 Achiever of the Year
• 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 Regional NAIDOC Awards provides a special opportunity for local businesses and organisations to play a significant role in this year’s celebration.
The event is anticipated to attract considerable media attention, providing sponsors a platform to demonstrate their commitment to supporting local Aboriginal culture and excellence.
By becoming a sponsor of the 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards, you will gain valuable exposure to a diverse audience of professionals, respected community leaders and potential clients and play a key part in showcasing local Aboriginal contributions, achievements, and talent.
You will help create a memorable evening which celebrates the rich history and culture of local communities across the region and demonstrates an important step forward in our joint commitment to reconciliation.
The proceeds from your sponsorship will contribute towards a variety of financial expenses of the event, including supporting Elders attendance, securing high profile Aboriginal performers and investing back into local Aboriginal businesses who are procured for the awards ceremony.
We look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to make the 2025 Regional NAIDOC Awards a memorable and treasured event for our community!
Sponsorships applications have been extended and are still open!
Please contact us via email at RegionalNAIDOC2025@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au or call 4221 6237 to register your interest.
Nominations
Nominations for the 2025 Regional NAIDOC Awards are now CLOSED!
Over 50 community nominations were submitted for the Regional NAIDOC Awards. Thank you to everyone who nominated a family member, friend or colleague. An independent selection panel reviewed all applications in April 2025 to determine the winners.
We’re excited to announce the winners with you at the 2025 Regional NAIDOC Awards Ceremony. This ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Shellharbour Civic Centre in Shellharbour City Centre.
Please note – we can no longer accept nominations for the 2025 Regional NAIDOC Awards.
Ticket Sales
Tickets will go on sale for the 2025 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards on Monday 19 May 2025.
The awards will be held at the Shellharbour Civic Centre on Saturday 26 July 2025 from 4pm - 9:30pm and shine a spotlight on outstanding contributions from across the region.
Shellharbour City Council is delivering the event in partnership with Wollongong City Council, Kiama Municipal Council and Shoalhaven City Council.
Council would like to thank Burri Burri (Platnium) sponsors Big Fat Smile for their generous support of this event. We’d also like to thank Ghoon a Ghaan (Gold) sponsors – Southern Youth and Family Services, ECTARC, and Wollongong Strata Management.
Entertainment
Performers
Kutcha Edwards (headline performer)
Kutcha Edwards, Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Nari Nari Songman is one of the Country’s most respected Indigenous singer-songwriters. Kutcha has long been the voice for social change, a leader for Indigenous rights, and a storyteller who captures the hearts and minds of audiences with his soulful melodies, powerful lyrics and soaring vocals.
Through the voice and art of music Kutcha is able to create connections across cultures, generations, and spaces.
Isaac Compton (MC)
Isaac Compton is a Munanjali, Minjungbul and Wiradjuri man born in Griffith NSW, with deep cultural and community connections to Dubbo, Peak Hill, Sydney and Tweed Heads. Experienced MC, professional musician, popular social media phenomenon, reality TV personality and self-proclaimed comedian – Isaac uses humour to bring important issues to the surface.
Stay in the loop
Council will be sending regular community updates about the Regional NAIDOC Awards, including important announcements, launch details, closing date reminders, and other event-related information. To stay informed, sign up for the NAIDOC Awards Community Contact List here.
For more specific information about the Regional NAIDOC Awards, please contact Shellharbour Council:
- Email: RegionalNAIDOC2025@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au
- Phone: 4221 6237.
