Indigenous governance awards finalists announced

Reconciliation Australia and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute have announced the finalists for the Indigenous Governance Awards 2026, recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations and initiatives for excellence in governance.

Now in their twenty-first year, the Indigenous Governance Awards publicly recognise and celebrate outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations and groups. The 2026 finalists span three categories, reflecting a range of governance models and scales.

The winners will be named at a gala dinner in November in Tarntanya/Adelaide.

Key Points

Finalists across three categories

Category 1: Unincorporated organisations and groups

• Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle (WA)
• Northern Nunga Network (SA)
• Wukul Yabang Aboriginal Health Research Community Panel (NSW)

Category 2: Small-to-medium incorporated organisations

• Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival Limited (Vic)
• Ngrragoonda Aboriginal Corporation (Qld)
• Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation (SA)

Category 3: Large incorporated organisations

• Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation (NT)
• Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (Qld)
• Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation (WA)

The finalists reflect diverse approaches to governance across community, cultural, health, youth, land and literary initiatives. According to organisers, the awards highlight effective governance models that contribute to communities and to the nation.

“These organisations and groups are not only exceeding expectations, they are redefining them, showing us all what is possible when strong, effective governance is led by culture and community,” Ragina Rogers, chief executive of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute, said.

About the awards

The Indigenous Governance Awards are held every two years and recognise excellence grounded in both cultural and contemporary governance. Organisers say effective Indigenous governance brings together traditional practices based in culture, kinship and connection to Country, while meeting financial and legal accountabilities of non-Indigenous systems.

The 2026 awards are presented in partnership by Reconciliation Australia and AIGI, with support from the BHP Foundation. The program acknowledges millennia of tried and tested ways of working, and spotlights community-driven solutions that demonstrate strong accountability and leadership.

“Knowing and valuing Indigenous governance practices is key to meaningfully recognising and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and people as decision makers for our own futures,” Karen Mundine, CEO, Reconciliation Australia, said.

Previous finalists are cited by organisers as examples of what is possible when First Nations communities exercise control, and as evidence of the broader lessons available to Australia from self-determined solutions that seek a more just and equitable future.