The 2026 National NAIDOC Week Awards have celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and organisations making significant contributions across culture, education, sport, science, leadership, and community life. Held in Mparntwe Alice Springs, the ceremony highlighted achievements that strengthen communities and showcase the diverse ways First Nations people are shaping Australia's future. Winners included artists, educators, Elders, athletes, and young leaders whose work spans remote communities to national platforms. Minister Senator Malarndirri McCarthy praised the winners for their leadership and positive impact. Key awards recognised Aunty Rhoda Roberts AO (Lifetime Achievement), Pat Turner AO (Person of the Year), and the Southern Aboriginal Corporation (Caring for Country and Culture). Other honorees included Kaylene Whiskey (Creative Talent), The Murri School (Education), Mrs Christine Corby (Female Elder), Dr Stephen Hagan (Male Elder), Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy (Innovation), Caitlyn Costello (Sportsperson), and Tyson Neal Edwards (Youth Award). These accolades underscore the vital role of First Nations voices in driving progress and cultural preservation.

Rhoda Roberts, a revered Indigenous cultural ambassador, has been posthumously honored with the lifetime achievement award at the Naidoc awards in Alice Springs. The award celebrates her decades-long dedication to preserving and promoting First Nations culture through language, dance, and ceremony. A Bundjalung woman who passed away in March at 66, Roberts was recognized for her transformative work as an Indigenous broadcaster, cultural advocate, and leader in various initiatives. Her legacy includes pioneering roles such as co-founding Deadly Sounds radio, leading Indigenous programming at the Sydney Opera House, and choreographing the iconic Awakening segment for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The Naidoc awards, marking their 50th anniversary, highlighted her as a 'force' who inspired generations. Minister Malarndirri McCarthy praised the winners for embodying the spirit of Naidoc, emphasizing their role in creating positive change. Other honorees included Aunty Pat Turner as Person of the Year and the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy for Innovation. Roberts' contributions extended beyond arts, with her advocacy for cultural inclusion and community empowerment leaving an indelible mark on Australian society.