Blak leadership and strength were celebrated at this year’s National NAIDOC Week Awards on Saturday in Noongar Whadjuk Boorloo (Perth), with more than a thousand people from across the country in attendance.
It was a tough competition with the judges sifting through 200 applications, with only ten people taking home an award, many from Western Australia.
Dr Daniel Hunt dedicated his award to his mother and “the people that came before us that really paved the way.” (ABC News: Lauren Smith)
Jaru and Indjibarndi man Dr Daniel Hunt was awarded the coveted NAIDOC Person of the Year award for his extensive work in Aboriginal health.
“Legacy is the thing I turn to most … because it is those who have come before us, those trailblazers, who really have paved the way,” he said.
“We have to be absolutely proud of what has been accomplished … The term Blak excellence can’t be expressed enough when I see what is happening in Australia.”
Anmatjere and Marranunggu man Michael Long OAM received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership to address racism within the AFL and advocate for Indigenous rights.
Receiving a standing ovation, Mr Long said it was “an award I will treasure” as he thanked those who stood by his side over the past 35 years, with special mention to his family members in the crowd.
Another highlight of the night was Aunty Rosalie Kickett awarded for her work in the mental health and domestic violence sector, which she dedicated to her parents and her late daughter who died from gender-based violence.
Aunty Rosalie, pictured with Michael Long, held back the tears. (ABC News: Lauren Smith)
“I never walked this path for recognition, I did it for my community … for my family, for those that don’t have a voice,” she said as she held back her tears.
“In 2023, I lost my beautiful girl Tiffany to domestic violence, it’s what led me to Acacia Prison.
“Every chance I get, I speak her name. Silence is dangerous, and truth is how we heal.“
Aunty Rosalie also thanked the men in Western Australia’s Acacia Prison who nominated her for the award.
“When you can’t see the light, we’ll carry it for you until you can carry the flame yourself. Thank you for walking this journey with me,” she said.
NAIDOC Week Awards MC Narelda Jacobs and her partner Karina Natt on the Blak carpet. (ABC News: Lauren Smith)
Narelda Jacobs also paid tribute to Mechelle Turvey, mother of Cassius Turvey, for her long fight for justice while experiencing “unspeakable grief”.
“Aunty Mechelle, you are a wonderful Australian and treasured Noongar woman,” she said.
This year marked 50 years since NAIDOC Week began.
Over the years, it has evolved from a week of protest to one of celebration, which shines a light on First Nations trailblazers and the life-changing impact they are making in their communities across Australia.
Uncle Harry Hall reflected on the impact of the Freedom Rides in his awards speech (ABC News: Lauren Smith)
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy reflected on its legacy and said it was a reminder that “our people, our voices, our culture is worth celebrating.”
“It’s a powerful reminder of who we are, where we come from and the strength that keeps us going,” she told the crowd.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy presented the lifetime achievement award. (ABC News: Lauren Smith)
This year’s theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy” paid homage to the tireless work of Indigenous ancestors and the future leaders continuing the work to create change.
“We celebrate the strength, spirit and stories that got us here. Our old people knew how important it was to take up space,” NAIDOC Committee Co-chair Professor Lynette Riley said.
“Fifty years we are still here stronger, louder, united and unapologetically proud.”
Zipporah Corser-Anu, pictured with Natasha Wanganeen, accepted the Creative Award on behalf of her mum Christine Anu. (ABC News: Christine Anu)
Before the event concluded, the hosts announced that the 2026 NAIDOC Week Awards will be hosted in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) next year.
In case you missed it, here is a breakdown of the finalists and winners of this year’s NAIDOC Week awards.
2025 NAIDOC Week Award winners
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Long
- NAIDOC Person of the Year Award: Dr Daniel Hunt
- Female Elder Award: Aunty Rosalie Kickett
- Male Elder Award: Uncle Harry Hall
- Sportsperson Award: Danielle Ponter
- Youth Award: Anika Gosling
- Creative Talent Award: Christine Anu
- Caring for Country and Culture Award: Wadjemup Project Steering Group
- Education Award: Professor Eddie Cubillo
- Innovation Award: Blak Brews
