Celebrating community contributions and talent at the NAIDOC Awards

A smoking ceremony, a cultural performance from Kugang Djarmbi, One Mob and Marring and a Pouring of the Soil Ceremony marked the start of a special evening of celebration at the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Week Awards 2026 on Saturday night.

The event was held at the University Great Hall on 18 July with 480 guests enjoying the awards evening.

This year was Wollongong City Council’s turn to host the Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards, which celebrate and promote the achievements of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations based in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven area. The Awards are a key part of local celebrations for NAIDOC Week, and hosting rights for the annual event are proudly shared by Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven councils.

“It was such a wonderful evening and the activities, speeches and music really helped mark 50 Years of Deadly in a special way,’’ Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.

“We’re so very privileged to have such a talented, dedicated and passionate community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within our cities and along the coast who are striving to improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond.’’

At the event, 13 awards were presented including Aunty and Uncle of the Year. The full list of winners are:

• Aunty of the Year – Dr Aunty Barb Nicholson
• Uncle of the Year – Uncle Peter Button
• Community Member of the Year – Dr Justin Cain
• Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year – Aunty Margaret Mongta
• Young Achiever of the Year – Elle Stewart-Reid
• Young Achiever of the Year – Emily Hollingsworth
• Organisation of the Year (business) – Ripmentoring
• Organisation of the Year (Not for profit) – Bars Behind Me
• Caring for Country and Culture – Cullunghutti
• Caring for Country and Culture – Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation
• Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal) – Marring
• Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Non-Aboriginal) – ECTARC
• Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Non-Aboriginal) – Gordana Sterjovska

The event concluded with Lord Mayor Cr Brown handing the Message Stick to Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, as the 2027 event will be hosted by Kiama Council.

Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said:

“We thank Wollongong for hosting a great event and we look forward to working with the NAIDOC Awards committee and the local Aboriginal community to prepare for next year’s ceremony at The Pavilion in Kiama.

“We are excited to be taking on the honour of hosting and it’s important to remember that these awards are more than just one evening, but an ongoing celebration of culture, and a chance to foster understanding and create lasting connections.”

Representatives from Shellharbour Council and Shoalhaven City Council were also in attendance.

Shellharbour City Mayor, Chris Homer said:

“The Regional NAIDOC Awards are a powerful celebration of culture, leadership and community across our region. We’re proud to work alongside Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven councils to recognise the outstanding achievements of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White said:

“On behalf of Shoalhaven City Council, I warmly congratulate all recipients of the 2026 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Awards. These awards shine a light on the people and organisations making a lasting impact across our region.

“Every one of this year's winners and finalists has demonstrated what it means to lead with courage, compassion and pride in culture. Your achievements inspire others and help build a stronger future for generations to come.”

For more information about the awards, visit the dedicated pages on Council’s website.