Award Categories
Nominations for the 2026 Brisbane NAIDOC Ball Awards are CLOSED.
The awards celebrate excellence in our First Nations community across South-East Queensland across eight categories.
Nominations closed
Elder . Education . Caring for Country . Sports . Community . Innovation . Creative Arts . Youth .
Elder . Education . Caring for Country . Sports . Community . Innovation . Creative Arts . Youth .
Important Information for Applicants
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In deciding the winners for each award category, the judging panel will consider the following:
· Past and current achievements
· Demonstrated excellence in the nominated category
· Community leadership, involvement, and impact.
Final selection may require nominees to provide additional information or supporting evidence.
Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, businesses, and organisations are eligible to be nominated for the Education, Caring for Country, Innovation and Creative Arts Award categories. Nominated businesses and organisations must be 100% owned and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. If a group, organisation, or business is selected as the winner, only two representatives will receive tickets to attend the Triple A Brisbane NAIDOC Ball.
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All individuals, groups, businesses, and organisations nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, as defined by:
identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
being recognised as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community in South‑East Queensland.
Reside within a South‑East Queensland Local Government Area
Be aged 18 years or older
Exception: The Young Person of the Year Award is open to nominees aged 16–25.
Please note: Nominated businesses and organisations must be 100% owned and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
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Why we collect your information
Triple A collects your personal information and the personal information of the person you are nominating so we can run the 2026 Brisbane NAIDOC Awards selection process.
We may also share this information with the:o Brisbane NAIDOC Committee
o Event organisers
o Media Partners
o Sponsors
o Awards Committee
We also use this information to help promote the 2026 Brisbane NAIDOC Award winners.
Proving information is voluntary
You don’t have to give us your personal information. However, if you choose not to, we won’t be able to process your nomination.
Before you nominate someone, please make sure:
They agree to be nominated, and
They agree to their personal information being shared with and used by Triple A for this process.
Accessing or correcting your information
If you would like to:
Access your personal information
Correct something that’s wrong
Ask how your information has been used
Raise a concern about how it has been collected, stored, or shared
Please contact Triple A:
Phone: (07) 3892 0100
Email:info@triplea.org.au
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This award honours an Aboriginal Elder or Torres Strait Islander Elder whose leadership, wisdom, and cultural strength nurture and inspire our future generations.
It recognises an Elder who is present, visible, and involved in their community—someone who generously shares cultural knowledge, provides guidance, and leads with dignity and care. This Elder supports mob across South‑East Queensland, passing down stories, lived experience, and traditions, both on Country and throughout community.
They are a pillar of strength, a teacher, and a cultural custodian whose influence helps ensure our cultures continue to thrive for generations to come.
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This award recognises and celebrates an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individual or group making an outstanding contribution to the education sector in South‑East Queensland.
The education sector includes early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational education, and all other learning environments. This award honours those who champion educational excellence through culturally grounded and culturally safe practices.
It acknowledges individuals or groups who strengthen identity, embed culture in learning, advocate for students, and drive improved educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. Their work empowers students, enriches communities, and transforms learning environments.
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This award recognises and celebrates Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals, groups, and organisations who care for, protect, and nurture Country and culture across South‑East Queensland.
The Caring for Country Award may be presented to local community group, land and sea management organisation, and Cultural Knowledge Holders whose work strengthens the health of Country, safeguards cultural heritage, and ensures that cultural knowledge continues to be practised and passed down.
Nominated businesses and organisations must be 100% owned and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
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This award recognises and celebrates an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander sportsperson in South‑East Queensland who demonstrates excellence, dedication, and strong community spirit.
The recipient may be an emerging talent or an accomplished athlete in their chosen sport. This award honours those who are striving for or achieving excellence in their sporting field, while also contributing to and remaining connected with their community across South‑East Queensland.
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This award recognises and celebrates an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who makes an outstanding contribution to their community in South‑East Queensland.
The Community Person of the Year is someone who is visible, supportive, and selfless in their commitment to others. They are known for championing mob, amplifying community voices, and taking action that makes a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across South‑East Queensland.
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This award recognises and celebrates outstanding Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals, groups, businesses, or entrepreneurs who are driving innovative work across South‑East Queensland.
The Innovation Award honours those who bring forward new ideas, create impactful solutions, apply cultural knowledge in unique ways, and demonstrate forward‑thinking approaches in their field. These individuals and groups are champions of change—showing commitment, adaptability, creative problem‑solving, and innovative mindsets that uplift our people, strengthen our communities, and influence broader positive change.
Nominated businesses and organisations must be 100% owned and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
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This award recognises and celebrates Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals, collectives, businesses, and organisations shaping the creative arts industries across South‑East Queensland.
The Creative Arts Award honours practitioners working across media, creative and performing arts, and music, including journalists, filmmakers, artists, musicians, designers, producers, and performers.
It celebrates creative excellence and culturally grounded practice that elevates our stories, amplifies community voices, and strengthens cultural expression, identity, and community strength.
Nominated businesses and organisations must be 100% owned and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
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This award recognises and celebrates an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young person aged 16–25 who is emerging as a leader within their community in South‑East Queensland.
The Young Person of the Year is someone who is connected to community and culture, demonstrates promise, initiative, and leadership, and is striving for excellence in their chosen area—whether in school, work, sport, arts, community, culture, or advocacy.
Please note: This is an 18+ event. If the award recipient is under 18, Triple A will organise a film crew to record their acceptance speech.
