Uncle Peter Button and Dr Aunty Barb Nicholson were awarded Uncle and Aunty of the Year at the 2026 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Week Awards. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Aboriginal leaders, volunteers and organisations from across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to community, culture and reconciliation at the 2026 Local Government Regional NAIDOC Week Awards.
Among the night’s highest honours, Dr Aunty Barb Nicholson was named Aunty of the Year and Uncle Peter Button was recognised as Uncle of the Year during the celebration of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, 50 Years of Deadly.
Marked by a smoking ceremony, cultural performance from Kugang Djarmbi, One Mob and Marring and a Pouring of the Soil Ceremony, the awards saw Wollongong City Council host 480 guests at the University Great Hall on 18 July.
Thirteen awards were presented to mark the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations, from Young Achievers of the Year Elle Stewart-Reid and Emily Hollingsworth, to Organisation of the Year (business) Ripmentoring.
“It was such a wonderful evening and the activities, speeches and music really helped mark 50 Years of Deadly in a special way,’’ Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said.
“We’re so very privileged to have such a talented, dedicated and passionate community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within our cities and along the coast who are striving to improve the lives of people in their communities and beyond.’’
At the end of the awards, Councillor Brown handed the message stick to Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, making way for Kiama Council to host the 2027 event.
Cr McDonald thanked Wollongong for hosting a great event and said Kiama looked forward to working with the NAIDOC Awards committee and Aboriginal community to prepare for next year’s ceremony at The Pavilion in Kiama.
Emily Hollingsworth (left) and Elle Stewart-Reid were both awarded Young Achiever of the Year. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
“We are excited to be taking on the honour of hosting and it’s important to remember that these awards are more than just one evening, but an ongoing celebration of culture and a chance to foster understanding and create lasting connections,” Cr McDonald said.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said his council was proud to work alongside Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven councils to recognise the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“The Regional NAIDOC Awards are a powerful celebration of culture, leadership and community across our region,” Cr Homer said.
Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White said she congratulated all recipients.
“These awards shine a light on the people and organisations making a lasting impact across our region,” Cr White said.
“Every one of this year’s winners and finalists has demonstrated what it means to lead with courage, compassion and pride in culture.
“Your achievements inspire others and help build a stronger future for generations to come.”
The awards are a key part of celebrations for NAIDOC Week, and hosting rights for the annual event are shared by Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven councils.
The full list of winners:
- Aunty of the Year – Dr Aunty Barb Nicholson
- Uncle of the Year – Uncle Peter Button
- Community Member of the Year – Dr Justin Cain
- Aboriginal Community Volunteer of the Year – Aunty Margaret Mongta
- Young Achiever of the Year – Elle Stewart-Reid
- Young Achiever of the Year – Emily Hollingsworth
- Organisation of the Year (business) – Ripmentoring
- Organisation of the Year (Not for profit) – Bars Behind Me
- Caring for Country and Culture – Cullunghutti
- Caring for Country and Culture – Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation
- Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Aboriginal) – Marring
- Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Non-Aboriginal) – ECTARC
- Outstanding Contribution to Reconciliation (Non-Aboriginal) – Gordana Sterjovska
Original Article published by Kellie O’Brien on Region Illawarra.
