Nominate for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems

It starts with you! Nominating a person, team or community group acknowledges their achievements and encourages them to continue to excel in their work. 

The prize will be awarded for the second time in 2026 to an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-led project that:

• benefits Australian Indigenous peoples, communities or place
• contributes to solving a significant challenge through the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems
• demonstrates sincere connection and respectful engagement with community and Australian Indigenous peoples
• elevates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems.

Prize recipients will receive $250,000 in prize money, a medallion and exposure to new opportunities and networks. Through their achievements, recipients will become important role models who inspire other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all Australians. 

Nominators get to spotlight the achievements of others, helping ensure their efforts are seen, valued and remembered. 

How to nominate

Complete the stage 1 nomination form by: 

• addressing all eligibility and assessment criteria
• including the contact details of 2 supporters (and 1 additional supporter, if applicable) and 2 independent referees
• providing a background and experience statement for each nominee.  

Nominating someone acknowledges their achievements and encourages them to continue to excel in their work.     

Who can nominate

Nominations can be made by people knowledgeable about the nominee’s work.

Who can be nominated

Nominees for the Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems:  

• must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• can be an individual, a team or a community group (up to 4 individuals may be named a team or a community group)
• must practice Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems as part of an Indigenous-led project with demonstrated benefit to Australian Indigenous peoples, communities and/or place.