Nominations Open: National NAIDOC Awards (Australia)

Award Categories

• National NAIDOC Person Award:
  • The National NAIDOC Person Award recognises the demonstrated excellence of an individual who has helped make a difference to individual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or more broadly, including nationally.
• National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award:
  • The National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual for their lifetime commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• National NAIDOC Female Elder Award:
  • The National NAIDOC Female Elder Award recognises respected and inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander role models and leaders.
• National NAIDOC Male Elder Award:
  • The National NAIDOC Male Elder Award recognises respected and inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander role models and leaders.
• National NAIDOC Sportsperson Award:
  • The National NAIDOC Sportsperson Award recognises accomplished Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes or sporting leaders who have promoted or developed sport in their community and served as inspirational role models for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community.
• National NAIDOC Youth Award:
  • The award seeks to recognise young people who are inspirational role models for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader Australian community, as well taking into consideration the individual’s future goals and likely impact.
• National NAIDOC Creative Talent Award:
  • The National NAIDOC Creative Talent Award recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, including writers, poets, illustrators and artists of traditional, contemporary and experimental visual arts, crafts and design.
• National NAIDOC Caring for Country and Culture Award:
  • The Caring for Country and Culture Award recognises the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities who care for, protect, and nurture Country and culture.
• National NAIDOC Education Award:
  • The National NAIDOC Education Award recognises exceptional individuals and groups in the education sector (including early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational, and any other education groups) who have made a difference to the lives of students and communities.
• National NAIDOC Innovation Award:
  • The Innovation Award is open to individuals, groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and organisations who have worked innovatively in and across their communities.

Eligibility Criteria

• All people nominated for a National NAIDOC Award must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, as defined by the following:
  • be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent;
  • identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and/or
  • be accepted as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

Selection Criteria

• In deciding winners for each award category, the judges will consider the following selection criteria:
  • past and current achievements;
  • demonstrated excellence in the nominated category;
  • the individual’s and/or group’s status as an inspirational role model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community; and/or
  • the individual’s and/or group’s future goals and their likely impact.

For more information, visit National NAIDOC.