The Indigenous Governance Awards share the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations from around Australia.
The 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.
Indigenous Governance Awards 2026
Do you lead or know of an Indigenous-led organisation or group demonstrating outstanding governance?
Nominations and applications are now open for the Indigenous Governance Awards 2026.
Awards information
Applicant support
Application info sessions
Joins us for a drop-in online session to learn about the IGAs 2026.
Learn practical tips for preparing a strong application, including addressing the criteria, meeting deadlines and showcasing governance achievements.
A live Q&A will also allow you to ask questions directly.
Click the links below to register for a session:
Applicant help desk
Speak to a team member directly for support with your application.
To get in touch, call 02 6153 4400 and select option 4, ‘Indigenous Governance Program’, when prompted.
Help desk lines will be open for one hour on working days throughout February:
Help desk opens: Monday 2 February
Help desk closes: Friday 6 March
Hours (AEDT):
Monday 11-12pm
Tuesday 11-12pm
Wednesday 2-3pm
Thursday 2-3pm
Friday 2-3pm
Categories
There are three award categories for outstanding examples of governance in Indigenous-led organisations:
Category 1: Non-incorporated organisations, initiatives or projects
Category 2: Small to medium incorporated organisations (under $1 million in annual revenue)
Category 3: Large incorporated organisations ($1 million and over in annual revenue)
Application and selection steps
- Apply or nominate: submit an application with supporting documents or nominate an organisation.
- Review and shortlist: review committee makes a shortlist for each category.
- Judging: independent judging panel chooses three finalists for each category.
- Site visits: judging panel members will visit each finalist which includes photos and video and possible media coverage.
- Final selection: judging panel decides winners and highly commended recipients.
- Announcement: winners and highly commended recipients announced at the awards event.
The judging panel gives feedback to all organisations that apply. Applying is a great way to reflect on your governance and get expert advice based on your application.
Prizes
Winners in each category receive $20,000.
All finalists receive an awards package:
- A Reconciliation Australia award to commemorate their achievement
- Travel for two members to attend the awards event
- An opportunity to participate in a governance professional development workshop facilitated by AIGI during the week of the awards event
- An opportunity to network with fellow finalists at an in-person meet and greet
- A communications package of photos and footage from the judges’ site visit to their organisation
- Promotional coverage, including on the awards website
Selection criteria
Across each award category, we are looking for organisations or groups that:
- Strengthen self-determination, self-governance and leadership for members and community.
- Prioritise effective decision-making and problem-solving processes that reach consensus, manage disputes constructively, and deliver positive, measurable outcomes that support community and/or member-based goals.
- Embed cultural legitimacy that fits, reflects and strengthens the community or region’s culture.
- Exhibit innovation and ingenuity in their development and response to local conditions and circumstances.
- Demonstrate sustainability, plan for the future and adapt to changing circumstances.
Nominations and applications are now open for the Indigenous Governance Awards 2026.
All the latest updates on past winners and finalists, as well as key developments in governance.
Learn more about the outstanding governance practices of our most recent winners and finalists.
Previous winners & finalists
Take a look at the winners and finalists from previous Indigenous Governance Awards:
The Indigenous Governance Awards 2020 were postponed due to the pandemic.
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