An Aboriginal rights campaigner, an accomplished Indigenous business consultant and a trailblazing athlete have been named as finalists for a major award.
The trio are in the running for person of the year at the National NAIDOC Awards, which reflect the theme "50 years of deadly" and celebrate First Nations elders, organisers, artists and communities.
The finalist announcement coincided with the start of NAIDOC Week on Sunday.
The three people in the running for the top award include Lana Leslie-Henfling, who was previously given the Medal of the Order of Australia for her 40 years of service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Tim Duggan is also a finalist for his work in youth advocacy.
Mr Duggan made history as the first person from the Northern Territory to play in the National Basketball League and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for founding the Indigenous-led Hoops 4 Health program.
Under his leadership, Hoops 4 Health grew from a basketball program into an internationally recognised model, helping thousands of young people across urban, regional and remote Australia.
Long-time Aboriginal rights campaigner Pat Turner rounded out the finalists after dedicating her life to helping the Indigenous community, most recently in a decade-long stint running the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
The 74-year-old was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in June for her service.
National NAIDOC committee co-chair Aunty Lynette Riley said the finalists reflected the very best of the community.
“These finalists reflect the strength, diversity and excellence of First Nations people right across the country," she said.
“Their stories are a powerful reminder of why NAIDOC continues to matter after 50 years.”
The late Rhoda Roberts was named the 2026 lifetime achievement award recipient, honouring her extraordinary leadership and lasting impact on Australia’s arts and cultural landscape.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Alice Springs on August 15.
NAIDOC Week is an annual event celebrating the history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Observed from the first to the second Sunday in July, its origins can be traced back to the 1938 Day of Mourning in Sydney, one of the first civil rights gatherings for Indigenous Australians.
The award finalists:
Person of the year:
* Aunty Pat Turner
* Dr Lana Leslie-Henfling
* Timmy Duggan
Female elder:
* Aunty Lorraine Peeters
* Christine Corby
* Regina Pilawuk Wilson
Male elder:
* Dr Dean Yibarbuk
* Oscar Colbung
* Dr Stephen Hagan
Sportsperson:
* Alex Wilson
* Caitlyn Costello
* Mariah Williams
Youth:
* Brenton Woods
* Levi Briggs
* Tyson Neal Edwards
Caring for country and culture:
* Girringun Aboriginal Corporation
* Miromaa Aboriginal Language & Technology Centre
* Southern Aboriginal Corporation
Education:
* Aunty Stephanie Armstrong
* Ninti Training Ltd
* The Aboriginal & Islander Independent Community School (The Murri School)
Creative talent:
* Jodie Welsh
* Kaylene Whiskey
* Molly Hunt
Innovation:
* 17x16CDP Youth Collective
* Bars Behind Me
* Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy
