NAIDOC Week is coming: 5 - 12 July 2026
NAIDOC Week celebrations will begin across Australia on Sunday, 5 July this year, celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples.
NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and to celebrate the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.
Across the country, a range of activities and events are held throughout the week. We encourage everyone to get involved, support local communities, and take the time to learn and connect.
Programmed 2026 NAIDOC Awards
Since launching in 2023, the Programmed NAIDOC Awards have become an important way we recognise those who are making a real impact across our business, and we’re proud to continue this in 2026.
The awards celebrate individuals, teams and partners who demonstrate a genuine commitment to Relationship, Respect and Reconciliation.
We invite all employees to nominate colleagues, teams or partners who are supporting and strengthening First Nations communities. Below are the award categories and highlights from previous recipients.
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:
- Aaron Simmler
- Joel Hickcox
- Hannah Villaruz
- Keneesha Walker-Ryan
- Gina Johnson
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:
- Facility Management VIC / TAS & Utilities Team
- Facility Management WA Team
- Facility Management Melbourne Water 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:
-
Slater Electrical
-
Muru Office Supplies
-
Woodlands Industries Electrical, ACT
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 Char Sheppard, Workforce Programs and Projects Manager via char.sheppard@programmed.com.au
*Entries will be accepted until COB Tuesday 30 June 2026
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.
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!
Our Values
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
Executive General Manager, Human Resources
