For millennia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have had governance systems in place driven by culture and community priorities.
Effective Indigenous governance is a prerequisite for ensuring First Nations peoples’ aspirations guide policies and actions that are culturally relevant. These aspirations are also essential to advancing reconciliation.
The Indigenous Governance Awards (IGA) share, promote and celebrate contemporary examples of outstanding Indigenous Governance from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations around Australia. The awards have been held every two years since 2005 and are proudly presented in partnership by Reconciliation Australia and the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute, with support from the BHP Foundation.
Here is an overview of the 2026 finalists and photos captured on the judging panel site visits held from July to September 2026.
All photos: Tom Hoy, Wirrim Media
CATEGORY 1: Indigenous-led unincorporated organisations, initiatives or projects
Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle – WA
The Yarning Circle unites Bindjareb Noongar communities to protect and manage the Bindjareb Djilba (Peel-Harvey) Estuary, strengthen Traditional Owner governance, and embed Noongar values in land and water management.
Photo: Bindjareb Djilba Kaadadjan Bidi Yarning Circle at one of its regular meetings at Winjan Aboriginal Corporation, Mandurah.
Northern Nunga Network – SA
The network connects and promotes collaboration between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and social service providers, government and non-government organisations so they can better meet the needs of communities across northern Adelaide.
Photo: Members of the Northern Nunga Network at their regular monthly meeting.
Wukul Yabang Aboriginal Health Research Community Panel – NSW
The panel ensures Aboriginal people hold authority over research that affects their communities and that the research delivers meaningful outcomes for First Nations peoples.
Photo: Wukul Yabang Aboriginal Health Research Community Panel members at the Wollotuka Institute, University of Newcastle.
CATEGORY 2: Indigenous-led Small to medium incorporated organisations
Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival – Vic
Blak & Bright is a nationally recognised First Nations literary organisation working across multiple cities and communities, deepening industry relationships and creating opportunities for First Nations storytellers and audiences.
Photo: Indigenous Governance Awards judges joined Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival staff and board at the Wheeler Centre during preparations for the 2026 festival themed, EVERY:WHEN.
Ngrragoonda Aboriginal Corporation – Qld
Ngrragoonda enables Gudjala People to exercise decision-making authority over Country. It works to protect cultural heritage, manage community assets and create pathways towards economic sovereignty and self-determination.
Photo: Ngrragoonda Directors at Towers Hill, Gudjala Country. (L-R) Gloria Santo, Nicole Santo, Adam Reid and Nicole Huxley.
Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation – SA
The organisation serves the Narungga community of Point Pearce through land and asset management, youth programs, ranger initiatives, infrastructure projects and cultural activities that strengthen local self-determination and long-term community resilience.
Photo: Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation Board Member and Elder Lyle Sansbury and General Manager Paul Heck show IGA judges around the community garden.
CATEGORY 3: Indigenous-led Large incorporated organisations
Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation – NT
Dhimurru manages approximately 550,000 hectares of land and sea Country, delivering large-scale environmental, cultural, and community outcomes under a kinship-based governance system grounded in Yolŋu Gurrutu.
Photo: Yolŋu man and Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation Ranger Rrawun Maymuru with members of the Board in the Dhimurru offices in Nhulunbuy.
Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation – Qld
Jabalbina supports Eastern Kuku Yalanji People to exercise their rights and responsibilities for Bubu (Country), including land and sea management, cultural heritage protection, and the implementation of ILUA commitments.
Photo: Jon Jon Ryan, Tourism Manager at Yalada Tours, a social enterprise of Jabalbina, guides Indigenous Governance Awards judges through the Bamanga Muruku Tourism Hub.
Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation – WA
The organisation supports the health and wellbeing of young people through education, training and employment opportunities, strong partnerships, and capacity building initiatives.
Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation was unable to proceed to the site visit stage of the judging process, but they retain their status as finalists.
Winners in each category will be announced at the Indigenous Governance Awards 2026 Gala Dinner on Thursday 5 November in Tarntanya/Adelaide.
Visit reconciliation.org.au/indigenous-governance-awards to learn more about the finalists.
This article is from the 56th edition of Reconciliation News. Read the rest of the issue.
