This year’s National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony recognised three exceptional Queensland community leaders on the big stage in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).
Queensland’s own Dr Stephen Hagan, The Aboriginal & Islander Independent Community School (The Murri School), and the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy were all acknowledged by the NAIDOC Committee for their inspiring work and accomplishments.
Male Elder Award Winner Dr Stephen Hagan was recognised as a former diplomat, senior public servant, academic, award-winning filmmaker and author, a warrior for social justice and a dedicated family man. Among his many achievements, the proud Kullilli/Kooma man has led campaigns resulting in the rebrand to CHEER Cheese, the removal of derogatory words from Mattel’s Scrabble board game and a multitude of racial discrimination cases. Dr Hagan has also influenced changes nationally to offensive public names and authored seven published books.
Notably, Dr Hagan’s father Jim Hagan, the first Aboriginal man to address the United Nations in Geneva, also won the Male Elder Award in 2007.
In his acceptance speech Dr Hagan acknowledged the other two Male Elder Finalists, Oscar Colbung and Dr Dean Yibarbuk, as well as those who have supported him in his journey.
“And finally, I’d like to acknowledge and pay respects to the people who without their love and support, I would not have been mentioned in the same breath as those two gentlemen I just mentioned, and that is my family, my beautiful wife Rhonda,” Dr Hagan said.
The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy were presented with the Innovation Award for their community-driven initiative transforming how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young women engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Most importantly, we thank the young women. You are the heart of everything we do. Your curiosity, courage, ambition, strength, tenacity, and sheer brilliance inspires us every single day. Every time you step into a lab, study mathematics, engineering, conduct research, design something brand new, or pursue a dream that was impossible yesterday, you are not only changing your future, you’re showing the next generation what is possible, and that is innovation,” Toowoomba-based Executive Manager Kim Dyball said.
Education Award Winners The Aboriginal & Islander Independent Community School (The Murri School), were recognised for 40 years of culturally grounded education built on strong community vision. Located in Acacia Ridge, The Murri School incorporates a strength-based approach where culture is essential to learning – prioritising real-world pathways, building employment opportunities and empowering students to succeed academically while connecting them to Country.
“We know that when our young people feel like they belong, are connected to culture, identity and community, they’re empowered to succeed and lead,” Principal Tanya Saltner said.
“We honour the vision, courage, and determination of our founders. We thank our dedicated staff, our families, our elders, and our board members, who generously give their time and unwavering support. Most importantly, we thank our deadly students. Their strength, determination, and achievements inspire us every day.”
A small delegation of Link-Up (Qld) staff were honoured to attend the event in Mparntwe and celebrate the well-deserved recipients. Congratulations to all award winners and nominees from across Australia for the deadly work you are doing in your communities and the difference you continue to make.
Published October 2026.