NAIDOC Week is coming: 6 - 13 July 2025
NAIDOC Week celebrations will begin across Australia on Sunday, 6 July this year, celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest continuing living cultures on earth.
In 2023, we proudly introduced the inaugural NAIDOC Awards across PFM, PPS and Group, and we are excited to continue this important tradition in 2025. These awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate and recognise individuals, teams and partners within our business who have demonstrated a deep commitment to Relationship, Respect, and Reconciliation – the core pillars of our NAIDOC values.
We encourage all employees to submit nominations for colleagues, teams or partners who have shown exceptional support to First Nations communities. Below, you will find detailed descriptions of each award category, as well as the past winners from the previous two years.
Award categories
NAIDOC Person of the Year
This award is dedicated to an individual who has shown exceptional, ongoing support for their local First Nations community. Nominees should be individuals who consistently work towards creating positive change, building relationships, and advocating for reconciliation.
Past winners:
- 2023 - Aaron Simmler
- 2024 - Joel Hickcox
NAIDOC Team of the Year
This award recognises a team, contract, or state that has demonstrated continuous and impactful support for the First Nations communities they serve. Nominees should be teams who have integrated the principles of reconciliation into their work, fostered positive relationships with First Nations people, and made a meaningful difference in the community.
Past winners:
- 2023 - PFM VIC/TAS & Utilities Team
- 2024 - PFM WA Team
NAIDOC Partner of the Year
This award honours an external vendor or partner who has worked alongside Programmed to strengthen and support local First Nations communities. The nominee should be an organisation or partner that shares our commitment to fostering long-term, mutually respectful relationships and making a positive impact within the First Nations community.
Past winners:
- 2023 - Slater Electrical
- 2024 - Muru Office Supplies
Nominations are now open
We invite everyone across the business to submit nominations for individuals, teams, or partners who exemplify the values of Relationship, Respect, and Reconciliation.
Please take a moment to reflect on the contributions made by your colleagues and partners, and nominate those who have made a positive impact.
To submit a nomination, please follow the link below.
If you have any questions regarding the NAIDOC awards, please contact Lynette Graham, National Social Inclusion Manager at Lynette.Graham@programmed.com.au
How to get involved for NAIDOC Week
We encourage everyone to visit the NAIDOC website to find out more about NAIDOC week and how you can get involved in your local community events.
Please see below links to the NAIDOC website and calendar of local events.
First Nations Cultural Awareness Training
Our monthly First Nations Cultural Awareness Training, Facilitated by our National Social Inclusion Manager, Lynette Graham (Dunghutti woman from Kempsey NSW) is a great opportunity to learn more about First Nations history, cultural practices and traditions. We encourage all employees to attend a session.
These sessions are run monthly via Teams and are accessible to all Programmed employees. To book in please see below link.
Passionate about Diversity Days? Become a Local Diversity Day Champion!
If you're passionate about celebrating diversity and want to champion it at your local branch or office, we encourage you to sign up as a Local Diversity Day Champion. This role allows you to help celebrate significant diversity days in a meaningful way within your team, whether through organizing events, hosting activities, or fostering discussions.
You’ll receive information and resources to make these celebrations inclusive and engaging, while working alongside local leadership teams to ensure greater participation. If you're passionate about promoting diversity, sign up today and help make a difference!
Diversity and Inclusion is one of our four core values here at Programmed and we are proud to have strong representation from our Nation’s First People.
We encourage you all to take part in these initiatives.
Best regards,
Mark Rademaker
Head of HR & Corporate Services
Lynette Graham
National Social Inclusion Manager
