Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards 2026
The Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards is an annual event that celebrates and promotes 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: Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven.
Key dates
Nominations | Open until 5pm, Friday 20 March 2026. See below for categories and to make a nomination |
Sponsorship opportunities | Apply by Friday 10 April 2026. Show your support for local Aboriginal culture and excellence. Download the info pack below. |
Awards presentation event | Saturday 18 July 2026 at University Hall, University of Wollongong. Tickets on sale soon. |
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? Their efforts deserve recognition!
An independent selection panel will review all applications and determine the winners.
The Awards celebrate the amazing contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in six 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
- 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).
Download our Nomination Package PDF, 916.95 KB to learn more.
Use the button below to make a nomination online.
Alternatively, you can complete the form in the Nomination Package above and return it to Council by Friday 20 March 2026.
Sponsorship opportunities
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 our Sponsorship Package PDF, 4260.36 KB to learn more about this opportunity.
To become a sponsor, please use the button below, or complete the form in the Sponsorship Package and return it to Council by Friday 10 April 2026.
We would also be happy to talk with you about sponsorship packages or the Awards. Please call Julie Street-Smith at Wollongong City Council on (02) 4221 6237 or email participate@wollongong.nsw.gov.au to learn more or arrange an in-person meeting.
Awards presentation event
Award 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.
Tickets go on sale soon. This page will be updated when tickets open.
About the Awards
The Local Government 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. The awards also promote issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the wider community including working towards reconciliation.
The Awards are 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.
History of the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards
The first Regional NAIDOC Awards were held in 2011, hosted by Wollongong City Council. Each year, the Awards are hosted in turn by one of the participating four Councils.
The video below explains the Awards' history and was produced for the 2021 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards.
You can also visit Shellharbour City Council's website to learn about the most recent Awards and winners from 2025.
Event partners
Page image: adaptation of NAIDOC Awards Artwork 'On Country - Where the mountains meet the sea' by Jodie Stewart.