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.
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!
Sponsorship will launch on Monday 13 January 2025 and close on Friday 28 March 2025.
To find out more about our sponsorship packages please see the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards Sponsorship Package 2025 and complete the Sponsorship EOI Form.
We would be delighted to assist with any questions regarding sponsorship packages or the awards. To discuss sponsorship opportunities or to arrange an in-person meeting, please contact us via email at RegionalNAIDOC2025@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au or call 4221 6237.
Nominations
Nominations for the 2025 Regional NAIDOC Awards are now open!
Do you know an individual, organisation, or business from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who is making a significant difference? Whether they have served as an inspirational role model or achieved something remarkable, their contributions deserve recognition.
Nominations will officially open on Monday, 3 February 2025. Be sure to follow our social media or our website for further details, or sign up below here to receive community email updates.
The nomination period will close on Sunday, 16 March 2025. An independent selection panel will review all applications in April 2025 and determine the winners.
The winners will be announced 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.
View our nomination guide document below-
How to submit your nomination application
You can submit your application by one of the following ways:
- 1. Complete an online form - fill out the form online here
- 2. Complete a digital form - fill out a paper copy, then scan and email it to RegionalNAIDOC2025@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au, or
- 3. Complete a paper form - fill out a paper copy and drop it off at your local Council office (Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, or Shoalhaven) or post it to Council: C/O Regional NAIDOC Awards Shellharbour City Council, Dharawal Country, Locked Bag 155 Shellharbour City Centre NSW 2529
Ticket Sales
Ticket sales will launch on in early May! Keep an eye out on our website, or sign up for community email updates to be the first to know when tickets are on sale.
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.
