2026 Brisbane NAIDOC Ball
Join us for the “blackout event of the year,” the 2026 Brisbane NAIDOC Ball—the premier celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence in South‑East Queensland.
The Ball is recognised as a vibrant celebration of cultural pride, powerful live performances, and community connection, honouring outstanding First Nations achievements across multiple award categories.
Event Details
Date
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Time
5:30pm – 11:30pm
Venue
Dress Code
Black Tie
Ticket Information
Individual: $225 (inclusive of booking fees and GST)
Table of 10: $2250 (inclusive of booking fees and GST)
Buy Tickets .
Buy Tickets .
About the Event
The Brisbane NAIDOC Ball is an annual gala event that brings together community, Elders, leaders, artists, families, and allies for a night of celebration and recognition.
Produced by Triple A since 2022, the Ball showcases a powerful program of cultural dance, live music, storytelling, and contemporary performance, featuring emerging, established, and diverse First Nations artists.
Each year, the Ball honours local First Nations excellence through ten award categories, celebrating contributions across Elder leadership, community impact, youth achievement, creative arts, media, education, caring for Country, innovation, sport, and music
NOMINATE NOW
Award Categories
Do you know someone making a difference in our community?
Nominate them for the 2025 Brisbane NAIDOC Ball Awards, celebrating excellence in our First Nations community across South-East Queensland. Nominations close Thursday, 16 May at 5pm.
Award Categories .
Award Categories .
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Brisbane NAIDOC Elder Award
This award recognises and celebrates an Aboriginal Elder or Torres Strait Islander Elder who nurtures and inspires future generations. An Elder who is visible and involved in their community, supporting and passing down cultural knowledge, providing guidance, sharing experiences with mob on Country and throughout South-East Queensland.
Selection Criteria
In deciding the winners for each awards category, the judges will consider the following selection criteria:
past and current achievements,
demonstrated excellence in the nominated category,
the individual’s community leadership status.
Final selection may be subject to the provision of additional information.
Eligibility
All individuals and groups nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must:
be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as defined by the following:
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
be recognised as such by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South-East Queensland community.
reside in a South-East Queensland Local Government Area
be aged over 18 years (except for the Youth Award aged 16-25).
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Brisbane NAIDOC Education Award
The award recognises and celebrates an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individual or group in the education sector in South-East Queensland. The educational sector includes early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, vocational and any other education groups. This award recognises an individual or group who champion and support education excellence through culturally embedded practices leading to improved educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Selection Criteria
In deciding the winners for each awards category, the judges will consider the following selection criteria:
past and current achievements,
demonstrated excellence in the nominated category,
the individual or group’s community leadership status.
Final selection may be subject to the provision of additional information.
Please note Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, businesses and organisations are able to be nominated for the Creative Arts, Education and Innovation Award Categories. If a group, organisation or business nomination is successful only two representatives will be given tickets to the Triple A Community Ball.
Eligibility
All individuals and groups nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must:
be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as defined by the following:
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
be recognised as such by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South-East Queensland community.
reside in a South-East Queensland Local Government Area
be aged over 18 years (except for the Youth Award aged 16-25).
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Brisbane NAIDOC Caring for Country Award
This award recognises and celebrates Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander talent who care for, protect, nurture Country and Culture in South-East Queensland. The Caring for Country Award can be awarded to, Local Community groups, Land Management Organisations, Cultural Knowledge holders in relation to Country.
Nominated businesses and organisations must be 100% owned and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Selection Criteria
In deciding the winners for each awards category, the judges will consider the following selection criteria:
past and current achievements,
demonstrated excellence in the nominated category,
the individual or group’s community leadership status.
Final selection may be subject to the provision of additional information.
Please note Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, businesses and organisations are able to be nominated for the Music, Media, Creative Arts, Education and Innovation Award Categories. If a group, organisation or business nomination is successful only two representatives will be given tickets to the Brisbane NAIDOC Ball.
Eligibility
All individuals and groups nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must:
be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as defined by the following:
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
be recognised as such by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South-East Queensland community.
reside in a South-East Queensland Local Government Area
be aged over 18 years (except for the Youth Award aged 16-25).
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Brisbane NAIDOC Sports Person Award
This award recognises and celebrates an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander sportsperson in South-East Queensland. The Sportsperson can be a rising star or an accomplished sportsperson in their respective sport, who is achieving or striving for excellence and involved in their community within South-East Queensland.
Selection Criteria
In deciding the winners for each awards category, the judges will consider the following selection criteria:
past and current achievements,
demonstrated excellence in the nominated category,
the individual’s community leadership status.
Final selection may be subject to the provision of additional information.
Eligibility
All individuals and groups nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must:
be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as defined by the following:
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
be recognised as such by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South-East Queensland community.
reside in a South-East Queensland Local Government Area
be aged over 18 years (except for the Youth Award aged 16-25).
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Brisbane NAIDOC Community Person Award
The award recognises and celebrates an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who makes a significant contribution within their community in southeast Queensland. The Community person is visible, supportive and their contribution selfless. What sets them apart is their actions and voice are making a difference in the lives of mob who they champion and support in South-East Queensland.
Selection Criteria
In deciding the winners for each awards category, the judges will consider the following selection criteria:
past and current achievements,
demonstrated excellence in the nominated category,
the individual’s community leadership status.
Final selection may be subject to the provision of additional information.
Eligibility
All individuals and groups nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must:
be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as defined by the following:
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
be recognised as such by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South-East Queensland community.
reside in a South-East Queensland Local Government Area
be aged over 18 years (except for the Youth Award aged 16-25).
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Brisbane NAIDOC Innovation Award
This award recognises and celebrates outstanding individuals or groups of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander businesses or entrepreneurs that have worked innovatively in and across South-East Queensland. The Innovation Award recognises those who have developed new and innovative ideas, applied forward thinking and/or applied cultural knowledge in different ways. These individuals and groups have also demonstrated efforts to create and be champions of change for our people and our communities, as well as demonstrated commitment, adaptability, innovative thinking and attitudes that enrich our communities and beyond.
Nominated businesses and organisations must be 100% owned and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Selection Criteria
In deciding the winners for each awards category, the judges will consider the following selection criteria:
past and current achievements,
demonstrated excellence in the nominated category,
the individual or group’s community leadership status.
Final selection may be subject to the provision of additional information.
Please note Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, businesses and organisations are able to be nominated for the Music, Media, Creative Arts, Education and Innovation Award Categories. If a group, organisation or business nomination is successful only two representatives will be given tickets to the Brisbane NAIDOC Ball.
Eligibility
All individuals and groups nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must:
be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as defined by the following:
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
be recognised as such by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South-East Queensland community.
reside in a South-East Queensland Local Government Area
be aged over 18 years (except for the Youth Award aged 16-25).
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Brisbane NAIDOC Creative Arts Award
This award recognises and celebrates Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander creatives who contribute to the creative arts industry in South-East Queensland. The Creative Arts award is for the creative and performing arts sector including writers, visual artists, designers, performing artists, and dance industry.
Selection Criteria
In deciding the winners for each awards category, the judges will consider the following selection criteria:
past and current achievements,
demonstrated excellence in the nominated category,
the individual or group’s community leadership status.
Final selection may be subject to the provision of additional information.
Please note Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, businesses and organisations are able to be nominated for the Media, Music, Creative Arts, Education and Innovation Award Categories. If a group, organisation or business nomination is successful only two representatives will be given tickets to the Triple A Community Ball.
Eligibility
All individuals and groups nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must:
be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as defined by the following:
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
be recognised as such by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South-East Queensland community.
reside in a South-East Queensland Local Government Area
be aged over 18 years (except for the Youth Award aged 16-25).
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Brisbane NAIDOC Media Award
This award recognises and celebrates Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander talent who contribute to the media industry in South-East Queensland. The Media Award includes journalists, media organisations, filmmakers, podcasters, radio hosts, production crew and vodcasters.
Nominated businesses and organisations must be 100% owned and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Selection Criteria
In deciding the winners for each awards category, the judges will consider the following selection criteria:
past and current achievements,
demonstrated excellence in the nominated category,
the individual or group’s community leadership status.
Final selection may be subject to the provision of additional information.
Please note Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, businesses and organisations are able to be nominated for the Music, Media, Creative Arts, Education and Innovation Award Categories. If a group, organisation or business nomination is successful only two representatives will be given tickets to the Brisbane NAIDOC Ball.
Eligibility
All individuals and groups nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must:
be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as defined by the following:
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
be recognised as such by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South-East Queensland community.
reside in a South-East Queensland Local Government Area
be aged over 18 years (except for the Youth Award aged 16-25).
-
Brisbane NAIDOC Music Award
This award recognises and celebrates Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist/s who contribute to the music industry in South-East Queensland. The Music award is for the music writers, composers, musicians, record labels, artist managers and bands.
Nominated businesses and organisations must be 100% owned and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Selection Criteria
In deciding the winners for each awards category, the judges will consider the following selection criteria:
past and current achievements,
demonstrated excellence in the nominated category,
the individual or group’s community leadership status.
Final selection may be subject to the provision of additional information.
Please note Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, businesses and organisations are able to be nominated for the Media, Music, Creative Arts, Education and Innovation Award Categories. If a group, organisation or business nomination is successful only two representatives will be given tickets to the Brisbane NAIDOC Ball.
Eligibility
All individuals and groups nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must:
be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as defined by the following:
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
be recognised as such by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South-East Queensland community.
reside in a South-East Queensland Local Government Area
be aged over 18 years (except for the Youth Award aged 16-25).
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Brisbane NAIDOC Young Person of the Year Award
This award recognises and celebrates an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young person aged 16 – 25 who is developing into or is an emerging leader in their community within South-East Queensland. The young person is connected to community and culture and striving for excellence in their respective area.
Please note this is an 18+ event. If you are selected and under the age of 18, Triple A will organise a film crew to film your winning speech.
Selection Criteria
In deciding the winners for each awards category, the judges will consider the following selection criteria:
past and current achievements,
demonstrated excellence in the nominated category,
the individual’s community leadership status.
Final selection may be subject to the provision of additional information.
Eligibility
All individuals and groups nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must:
be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as defined by the following:
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
be recognised as such by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South-East Queensland community.
reside in a South-East Queensland Local Government Area
be aged over 18 years (except for the Youth Award aged 16-25).
Brisbane NAIDOC Award Nomination Form
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All individuals and groups nominated for a Brisbane NAIDOC Award must:
be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander as defined by the following:
identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
be recognised as such by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South-East Queensland community.
reside in a South-East Queensland Local Government Area
be aged over 18 years (with the exception of the Youth Award aged 16-25).
Please note Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, businesses and organisations are able to be nominated for the Media, Music, Creative Arts, Education, Innovation and Caring for Country Award categories.
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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
Triple A acknowledges the Jagera and Turrbal people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we host the Brisbane NAIDOC Ball and we extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including our Elders past, present and emerging.
