A dedicated doctor helping the most disadvantaged and an AFL legend are among a group of Indigenous trailblazers recognised for their achievements.
Winners of the annual National NAIDOC Awards were revealed at a ceremony on Saturday in Perth, ahead of NAIDOC Week celebrations across the nation.
The awards recognise individual excellence and celebrate the strength, culture and leadership of First Nations people, and the 2025 edition marks the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week.
West Australian general practitioner and dentist Daniel Hunt was honoured as NAIDOC person of the year for his work in the health sector.
The Jaru and Indjibarndi man’s passion to help those facing disproportionately high rates of chronic disease and poor overall health has seen him become the deputy medical director of Derbarl Yerrigan Health Services, the largest Aboriginal Community Controlled Healthcare Organisation in WA.
The 2024 Indigenous doctor of the year was also recognised for his work in managing Australia’s syphilis epidemic.
Former AFL player Michael Long was recognised with a lifetime achievement award for his lifelong service to his people and country in speaking for Indigenous rights and fighting against racism in sport.
The 2019 NT Australian of the Year made history in 1995 when he sparked public debate by becoming the first AFL player to formally lodge a complaint after being racially vilified on-field during a game.
That stance led the AFL to implement the league’s racial vilification code.
The community leader and dual Essendon premiership legend walked from Melbourne to Canberra to meet prime minister John Howard in 2004 over government inaction on Indigenous issues.
In 2023, he re-created his Long Walk to Canberra in support of the Indigenous voice to parliament.
Torres Strait performer Christine Anu, a multi-ARIA Award winner known for her rendition of My Island Home during the Sydney 2000 Olympics, won the creative talent award.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Malarndirri McCarthy congratulated the winners, who were chosen from a field of 27 finalists.
“There is no better way to recognise the strength, vision and enduring legacy of past generations than by celebrating the achievements of exceptional individuals,” Senator McCarthy said.
National NAIDOC Committee co-chair Steven Satour said the themes of the celebrations lived in the nominees’ stories.
The judging committee considered more than 200 nominations in this year’s NAIDOC Week, which is celebrating the strength, vision and legacy of the next generation of Indigenous leaders.
2025 NATIONAL NAIDOC AWARD WINNERS
* Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Long
* Person of the Year Award: Dr Daniel Hunt
* Female Elder Award: Aunty Rosalie Kickett
* Male Elder Award: Uncle Harry Phillip Hall
* Sportsperson Award: Danielle Ponter
* Youth Award: Anika Gosling
* Creative Talent Award: Christine Anu
* Caring for Country and Culture Award: Wadjemup Project Steering Group
* Education Award: Professor Eddie Cubillo
* Innovation Award: Blak Brews
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