The Premier’s NAIDOC Award recognises the outstanding achievements and service of two extraordinary Aboriginal South Australians who have made a significant contribution to the lives of Aboriginal people in South Australia.

The award recipients are announced in July during NAIDOC Week, observed across Australia each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal people.

Congratulations to the 2026 recipients

Aunty Pat Waria-Read and Uncle Stevie Sumner are the female and male recipients of this year’s Premier’s NAIDOC Award in recognition of their outstanding achievements and significant contributions to improving the lives of Aboriginal people in South Australia.

We also extend congratulations to the shortlisted finalists for the Premier’s NAIDOC Award for their incredible achievements: Gregory Smith, Jayden Taylor, Susan Dixon and Michelle Allen.

Photo: Uncle Stevie Sumner and Aunty Pat Waria-Read

Recipient – Pat Waria-Read

Aunty Pat Waria-Read is a proud Ngadjuri woman with cultural links to the Mid-North of South Australia, Point Pearce Aboriginal community, Gerard Aboriginal Community, and Raukkan. She has dedicated her life to supporting Aboriginal people through justice advocacy, cultural mentoring and community leadership. As a Court Elder and cultural advisor, she has positively impacted countless lives with her compassion and guidance. She has an unwavering commitment to community through her voluntary involvement with Salt and Pepper, Nunga Babies Watch and her chair and committee roles with the First Nations of SA Aboriginal Corporation, the State Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance, and the Port Adelaide Advisory Committee.  Aunty Pat’s advocacy and support for Aboriginal people has continued throughout every stage of her life and career, positively impacting each person she comes across.

Recipient – Uncle Stevie Sumner

Uncle Steven “Stevie” Sumner is a proud Ngarrindjeri man, respected Elder, and influential community leader whose decades of service have contributed to the lives of Aboriginal people in South Australia. Uncle Stevie’s guidance as CEO of Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, and his advocacy to elevate Aboriginal voices has contributed towards more culturally responsive and community-led approaches in health.  Through his AFL coaching for more than 30 years and his role as a Ngarrindjeri Elder, he creates a sense of belonging, builds confidence and connection to culture, Country and community. His life’s work reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening the health, wellbeing, cultural identity, and self-determination of Ngarrindjeri people and the broader Aboriginal community. Uncle Stevie is recognised for his service, cultural leadership, advocacy, mentorship and community connection.

Dr Alice Alitya Rigney Prize

The Dr Alice Alitya Rigney Prize commemorates renowned educationalist and Australia’s first female Aboriginal school principal, Dr Alice Alitya Rigney AO PSM, by recognising a young Aboriginal person in South Australia who is dedicated to their education, in year 10, year 11 or year 12.

The 2026 recipient is Joseph Ribbons, a proud Ngarrindjeri young man and Year 11 student at Murray Bridge High School in the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA). Joseph is an active participant in SAASTA and Clontarf Academy and consistently embraces opportunities that support his personal, cultural and educational growth. Joseph is committed to learning, with an outstanding attendance record, strong academic achievements and active involvement in school, sport, cultural activities, connection to culture and community programs. Joseph continues to make the most of every opportunity and is a leader within the school community and has pride in his culture.

Photo: Joseph Ribbons making his acceptance speech

Previous award recipients

Past recipients of the Premier’s NAIDOC Award include:

• 2025 - Josephine Kunde and Michael (Mickey) Kumatpi O’Brien
• 2024 - Sandra (Sandy) Miller and Wayne Miller
• 2023 – Eunice Aston and Frank Lampard OAM Centenary Medal (2001)
• 2022 – Jeffrey Newchurch and Kunyi June Anne McInerney
• 2021 – Major ‘Moogy’ Sumner AM
• 2020 – Awards were not held due to COVID
• 2019 – Uncle Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien AO Centenary Medal (2001)
• 2018 – Joyleen Thomas PSM
• 2017 – Frank Wanganeen and Dr Alice Alitya Rigney AO PSM
• 2016 – Wendy Edmondson
• 2015 – Lavene Ngatokorua and Kali Hayward
• 2014 – Josie Agius Centenary Medal (2001)
• 2013 – Nici Cumpston OAM
• 2012 – Linda Clayton
• 2011 – Vince Coulthard Centenary Medal (2001)
• 2010 – Marj Tripp AO Centenary Medal (2001)
• 2009 – Sharon Gollan
• 2008 – Jean Agius
• 2007 – Faith Thomas AM