Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations and initiatives from across Australia have been recognised for their excellence in governance as finalists in the Indigenous Governance Awards 2026.
Now in their twenty-first year, the Indigenous Governance Awards (IGA) 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.
The 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)
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)
About the awards
Effective Indigenous 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 people as decision makers for our own futures,’ she said.
‘The achievement 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.’
Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) CEO Ragina Rogers 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 us all what is possible when strong, effective governance is led by culture and community.’
The Indigenous Governance Awards are held every two years and are proudly presented in partnership by Reconciliation Australia and AIGI, with support from the BHP Foundation.
Winners in the three categories will be announced at the Indigenous Governance Awards 2026 Gala Dinner on Thursday 5 November in Tarntanya/Adelaide.
The gala is held on the first night of the National RAP Conference. Combined early bird packages – which include tickets to both days of the conference as well as the gala dinner, at a reduced price – are available now from the RAP Conference website.
