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 2025 recipients

Josephine Kunde and Michael Kumatpi O’Brien are the female and male recipients of this year’s Premier’s NAIDOC Award in recognition of their outstanding achievements in improving the lives of Aboriginal people in South Australia.

Other finalists for the Premier’s NAIDOC Award are Sonia Waters, Melissa Clarke, Gavin Wanganeen and Alfred Gollan.

Above photo: Aaron Zammit, Manager Aboriginal Programs, Courts Administration Authority who received the Award on behalf of Josephine Kunde, and Michael Kumatpi O’Brien

Recipient – Josephine Kunde

Aunty Josephine Kunde is a proud Kokatha, Wirangu woman who has been a dedicated, trusted and compassionate Aboriginal Justice Officer with the Port Adelaide Nunga Court for over twenty years. With her cultural knowledge, community connections and quiet, calm strength, Aunty Josephine has supported Aboriginal court users, their families and Nunga Court Elders, and assisted judicial officers, courts staff and justice workers. Her valuable support has enabled court users to navigate complex legal processes within a highly stressful environment. Aunty Josephine has genuine respect for all, treats those in the justice system with dignity and care, and her presence has offered stability and healing, positively impacting all and changing the lives of many.

Recipient – Michael Kumatpi O’Brien

Uncle Michael (Mickey) Kumatpi O’Brien is a senior Kaurna, Narungga man and a dedicated Kaurna scholar, passionate cultural educator and ambassador for the Kaurna people over many decades. He shares his Kaurna language, wisdom, customs and perspectives through working in schools, with the History Trust, Reconciliation Groups and as a board member of Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation. He is extremely well respected and regularly leads Smoking Ceremonies and Welcomes to Country. Uncle Mickey’s selfless contribution is remarkable and longstanding, positively impacting his community in many areas and across many generations.

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 2025 recipient is Landon Kahn, an Arabana, Afghan student in year 12 at Marree Aboriginal School. Landon is self-motivated, reliable, hard-working and supports younger students as a mentor and role model at school and in the community. His commitment to his education, fellow students, family and community is commendable.

Previous award recipients

Past recipients of the Premier’s NAIDOC Award include:

• 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