Introducing our 2026 Programmed NAIDOC Award Winners
As NAIDOC Week comes to a close, we would like to take a moment to celebrate and recognise the outstanding individuals, teams and partners who are who are making an outstanding contribution to First Nations engagement and inclusion.
Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the 2026 Programmed NAIDOC Awards. Your nominations highlighted the many individuals, teams and partners creating meaningful impact within our organisation and the communities we work alongside.
We are proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Programmed NAIDOC Awards and recognise all nominees for their commitment to reconciliation, partnership and positive change.
NAIDOC Person of the Year (Joint Winners)
Meghan Lynch and Liam Robertson
Both Liam and Meghan have each made a remarkable contribution to committing to First Nations engagement and inclusion over the past year, internally and externally. Through their participation, advocacy and willingness to drive meaningful change, they have helped share opportunities, strengthen relationships and positively influence those around them.
Both have demonstrated a genuine commitment to reconciliation and consistently embodied the values that these awards seek to recognise. Their combined impact has been significant, and for this reason the panel has chosen to award them as joint-Winners of the 2026 Person of the Year Award.
You can read more about their impact here.
Congratulations to our other nominees this year:
Blake Anderson, Aaron Faneco, Rebecca Rance, Elijah Brown, Michael Hardman, Roslyn Harley, Ben Hasler
NAIDOC Team of the Year
Programmed Facility Management Housing and Social Care Team
The Facility Management Housing and Social Care Team has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Team of the Year Award in recognition of its outstanding commitment to creating positive outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities. Through collaboration, dedication and a strong focus on partnership and inclusion, the team has demonstrated the values and behaviours that contribute to meaningful and lasting impact.
Congratulations to our other nominees this year:
Programmed Singleton
NAIDOC Partner of the Year
Kooya Australia
Kooya Australia has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Partner of the Year Award in recognition of its outstanding partnership, collaboration and commitment to creating meaningful outcomes for First Nations peoples and communities. Through its ongoing support, expertise and shared commitment to reconciliation, Kooya has made a significant contribution to advancing our objectives and strengthening cultural capability across the business.
Congratulations to our other nominees this year:
Doolan Co Services, Boodjera Group, Kalgoorlie Boulder Building Company, Kulbardi
Celebrating NAIDOC Week
As part of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, Programmed employees in Western Australia came together for a meaningful event organised by Ros Harley, Ben Hasler and Maddy Chapman. The event provided an opportunity to connect, learn and reflect on the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements.
The event featured a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Shannon Kearing and Charmaine Cole, who shared the importance of these cultural protocols and the meaning behind this ancient practice.
Employees learnt about the significance of the Smoking Ceremony, which uses native plants such as eucalyptus in a cleansing ritual to welcome people onto Country, promote healing and offer protection. Ros and Ben shared personal reflections on culture, heritage and the importance of preserving Aboriginal culture for future generations.
The celebration was a valuable opportunity for employees to deepen their understanding of First Nations cultures and continue building connection, learning and reconciliation across the business. Thank you everyone who helped put together such a wonderful morning.
Thank you to everyone who participated in NAIDOC Week activities across the business. Together, we can continue to learn, listen and take meaningful action towards reconciliation.
Best regards,
Mark Rademaker
Executive General Manager, Human Resources
