2026 NAIDOC Award Winners
Kim White is a proud Wiradjuri woman whose dedication to community, culture, and service has made a lasting impact.
As an Aboriginal Education Support Officer at St Mark's School, she empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to strengthen their cultural identity, stay engaged in education and achieve their goals. She also provides compassionate care as a disability support worker in Port Augusta, always treating others with dignity and respect.
A respected cultural leader, Kim generously shares her knowledge, inspires pride in culture, and is a constant source of support for her community. Her kindness, quiet strength, and her lifelong commitment to community and culture affirms them as a deserving recipient of the 2026 NAIDOC Elder of the Year Award.
Youth of the Year - Sophie Luland
Sophie is an inspiring young Aboriginal leader whose determination, courage, and commitment to helping others make her a role model for her generation.
After completing Year 12 and achieving her SACE while balancing two jobs and a Certificate III, Sophie has realised her dream of studying at university in Adelaide. She has been an active member of Youth Voice in Port Pirie, a dedicated volunteer with the SA Ambulance Service, and was recognised as a hero after using her emergency response training to help save the life of a drowning child.
Now volunteering at a hospital to support young patients in staying connected to their education, Sophie continues to serve her community with humility and pride. She encourages other young people to find their voice, embrace their culture, and pursue their goals, making her a fitting recipient of the 2026 NAIDOC Youth of the Year Award.
Sportsperson of the Year - Molly-Rose Martin
At just 11 years old, Molly-Rose Martin is already an exceptional athlete, excelling across basketball, netball, soccer, and AFL while consistently competing above her age level.
Her dedication and talent have earned her numerous honours, including Basketball's Coaches Trophy, Netball's Under 11 Best and Fairest, the Hunt Cup, and the prestigious 2025 Cats Champion Award, becoming the youngest player to receive this recognition. She continues to impress in 2026 as a standout defender, leader, and teammate.
Beyond her sporting success, Molly-Rose is a proud young Aboriginal leader who inspires others through her humility, respect, and commitment to community. She shares her culture with younger children, encourages participation in sport, and leads by example both on and off the field.
Molly-Rose's outstanding sporting achievements, leadership, and cultural pride make her a deserving and much-admired recipient of the 2026 NAIDOC Sports Person of the Year Award.
Judy is a respected Aboriginal community leader whose generosity, cultural knowledge and commitment have made a lasting impact across our region. As a mentor, educator, artist and cultural advisor, she volunteers her time to support health services, schools, community events and young people, always promoting Aboriginal culture, wellbeing and reconciliation.
Through her work with the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network, Judy has helped educate health professionals, contributed the winning artwork for the 715 Health Check campaign, and led the highly successful Tarapari Wellbeing Day Art Tent, creating opportunities for local Aboriginal artists to showcase their work.
As an educator and mentor, Judy inspires students to embrace their culture, build confidence and develop their artistic talents. Her striking public murals across schools and community spaces tell powerful cultural stories that will educate and inspire future generations. Judy's leadership, kindness and dedication make her a very worthy recipient of the 2026 NAIDOC Community Involvement Award.
Congratulations to these deserving winners - your valuable contributions make an incredible difference to our community.