Nominations open for South Australia’s 2025 Premier’s NAIDOC Award, spotlighting Aboriginal education and community leadership

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Premier’s NAIDOC Award, which celebrates Aboriginal South Australians who have made a significant difference in the lives of others across the state. The award will be presented during NAIDOC Week, held from 6 to 13 July under the national theme The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.

This year’s program also includes the Dr Alice Rigney Prize, recognising Aboriginal students in Years 10 to 12 enrolled in public or state-run education. Named after Australia’s first female Aboriginal school principal, the prize highlights the importance of education and the leadership of young First Nations people, a growing focus for early childhood and school-age educators alike.

The Premier’s Award honours Aboriginal leaders who are shaping stronger communities through advocacy, service and vision. In 2024, community leaders Sandy Miller and Wayne Miller were jointly recognised. Sandy is a founding member of Wakwakurna Kanyini, a peak body advocating for Aboriginal children in care. Wayne works to create opportunities for young Aboriginal South Australians.

Attorney-General and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher said, “It is truly heartening to see the great work being done by Aboriginal people across our state.”

The Premier’s NAIDOC Award and Dr Alice Rigney Prize are more than acknowledgements. They are learning opportunities that align with the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0. These initiatives support Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity by highlighting Aboriginal leadership, cultural pride and belonging. They also reflect the EYLF principle of Respect for Diversity, helping educators meaningfully embed First Nations perspectives into daily practice.

Sharing the stories of Aboriginal role models like Sandy and Wayne Miller promotes cultural connection and social responsibility, key elements of Belonging, Being and Becoming.

Nominations close on Friday 6 June.

For details, visit the South Australian Attorney-General’s website.