Nominations are now open for the Premier’s NAIDOC Award, which recognises outstanding achievements of individual Aboriginal South Australians.

There will be a joint male and female recipient of the award, with the winners announced at a ceremony during NAIDOC Week from 2-9 July.

The national theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week is ‘For our Elders’, recognising the important and prominent place that Elders have in communities and families.

The Dr Alice Rigney Prize will also be awarded to a young Aboriginal person dedicated to their education, in years 10-12 at one of South Australia’s state-run Aboriginal schools or programs.

The prize is named in honour of Dr Alice (Alitya) Rigney, who was a pioneering Aboriginal educator and first female Aboriginal primary school principal.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher says NAIDOC week is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, history and cultures of Aboriginal people.

“It is important to formally acknowledge and recognise those who are making a positive impact to the lives of Aboriginal people in South Australia. 

“Their achievements are building a better future for our state and strengthening our work to close the gap of Aboriginal disadvantage.

“I encourage South Australians to nominate for this year’s Premier’s NAIDOC Award and look forward to winners being proudly announced in July.”

The awards honour those who make a difference to the lives of Aboriginal people and communities in South Australia. 

Ngarrindjeri elder Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner received the award in 2021.

Nominations for the Premier’s NAIDOC Award close on Friday 2 June 2. For more information and to apply, visit the AGD website.