18/06/2026
Indigenous Governance Awards 2026 finalists announced:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations and groups from across Australia have been recognised for their excellence in governance as finalists in the Indigenous Governance Awards 2026 (IGA).
Now in their twenty-first year, the awards publicly recognise and celebrate outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations and groups that, through their effective governance models, make extraordinary contributions to communities and to the nation.
Effective governance brings together strengths from both worlds. It draws on traditional governance practices based in culture, kinship and connection to Country, while also meeting the financial and legal accountabilities of non-Indigenous systems.
Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine, said that celebrating the governance practices of First Nations led organisations and groups not only highlights millennia of tried and tested ways of working but is a key part of Australia’s reconciliation journey.
“Knowing and valuing Indigenous governance practices is key to meaningfully recognising and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and peoples as decision makers for our own futures,” she said.
“The achievements of previous IGA finalists show us what is possible when First Nations communities are in control, and what broader Australia can learn from these self-determined solutions that contribute to a more just and equitable future.”
Ragina Rogers, CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute, added:
“The Indigenous Governance Awards remind us that effective governance in our communities has always existed. What we see in the finalists for 2026 is the powerful coming together of cultural governance, grounded in identity, responsibility and story, with the structures needed to thrive in today’s world."
"These organisations and groups are not only exceeding expectations, they are redefining them, showing all of us what is possible when strong, effective governance is led by culture and community.”
FINALISTS – 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)
FINALISTS – CATEGORY 2: Small to medium incorporated organisations
• Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival Limited (VIC)
• Ngrragoonda Aboriginal Corporation (QLD)
• Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation (SA)
FINALISTS – CATEGORY 3 Large incorporated organisations
• Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation (NT)
• Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (QLD)
• Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation (WA)
Winners in the three categories will be announced at the Indigenous Governance Awards 2026 Gala Dinner on Thursday 5 November 2026, in Tarntanya/Adelaide.
The Indigenous Governance Awards are held every two years and are proudly presented in partnership by Reconciliation Australia and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute with support from the BHP Foundation.
