Australian sport called on to recognise its First Nations stars, leaders and organisations

2025 winners were recognised across several categories

Nominations are now open for the 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards.

Australian sporting organisations, clubs, leagues and communities are being urged to nominate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations making an important contribution to sport.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards (NATSISA), which will be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, 7 November.

The Awards celebrate excellence across First Nations sport, recognising not only outstanding athletes and teams, but also the coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media representatives, competitions and community organisations helping sport thrive.

Indigenous Sports Network Managing Director Nathan Lovett-Murray said every part of the Australian sporting system had a role to play in identifying people worthy of national recognition.

“Across Australia, there are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working every day to make sport stronger, more inclusive and more connected to community,” Lovett-Murray said.

“Some are well known, but many are contributing behind the scenes as coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators and community leaders. They are opening doors, creating opportunities and helping the next generation see what is possible.

“We are asking sporting organisations at every level to look across their clubs, competitions and communities and put those people forward.

“Do not assume somebody else will nominate them. Taking the time to tell their story could give an outstanding person or organisation the national recognition they deserve.”

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Thirteen award categories will recognise contributions ranging from grassroots and community sport through to the elite level.

NATSISA Judging Committee Chair, media presenter and educator Shelley Ware said recognition could have an impact well beyond the individual recipient.

“Sport holds an important place in our communities. It can create belonging, strengthen culture and give young people confidence, connection and opportunity,” Ware said.

“Behind every sporting achievement are people who encourage participation, keep clubs running, create culturally safe environments and make sure our stories are seen and heard.

“Their contributions may not always appear on a scoreboard, but their impact can last for generations.

“A nomination says that somebody’s work has been seen and valued. It also ensures that their story becomes part of the wider story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence in Australian sport.”

The 2026 award categories are:

• National Sportsperson

• National Senior Elder Sportsperson

• National Junior Sportsperson

• National Sportsperson with a Disability

• National Community Sporting Organisation

• National Sports Competition

• National Sports Official

• National Sports Team

• National Coach

• National Volunteer

• National Sports Media

• National Lifetime Achievement Award

• National Trailblazer Award

Nominations will be considered by a judging committee chaired by Shelley Ware. The committee also includes Patrick Johnson, Kyle Vander-Kuyp, Bo de la Cruz, Dean Widders, Jaki Adams, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Darren Moncrieff.

The Awards ceremony will feature Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman AC as special guest speaker, with Dean Widders and Bo de la Cruz serving as masters of ceremonies.

The 2026 Awards are supported by NITV, Koori Mail, the Confederation of Australian Sport, Australian Sports Museum, Indigenous Sports Network, the AFL and The Female Co.

Nominations close on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

Nomination information and forms are available at www.nisf.org.au/natsisa. Nomination enquiries can also be directed to shelley@shelleyware.com.au.

Event details

2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards

Date: Saturday, 7 November 2026

Venue: Steve Waugh Room, Sydney Cricket Ground

Gate E, Driver Avenue, Level 2

Special guest speaker: Cathy Freeman AC

Masters of ceremonies: Dean Widders and Bo de la Cruz