2026 NAIDOC Poster Winner and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

The National NAIDOC Committee have announced the winner of the 2026 National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition, Zaachariaha Fielding, and the honouree of the 2026 National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award, the late Rhoda Roberts AO. These two recipients have been chosen for their reflection of the spirit of this year’s NAIDOC theme, 50 Years of Deadly.

2026 National NAIDOC Poster Winner: Zaachariaha Fielding — Paralpi

Each year, the official poster for NAIDOC week is designed by a talented First Nations artist in line with the week’s theme. This year, Paralpi by Zaachariaha Fielding has been chosen as the official poster, selected from design submissions from across the country.

Zaachariaha Fielding is a proud Yankunytjatjara man from the APY Lands in South Australia. He is well known as the vocalist for acclaimed music duo Electric Fields, and is also renowned for his talents in visual art.

Speaking on his winning artwork, Fielding said:

“Paralpi is about movement — movement through generations, through memory, through song and story. It speaks to the strength our people carry and the beauty of culture continuing to evolve while staying deeply connected to who we are.”

The 2026 National NAIDOC Week poster will be available in Kmart and Target stores nationally from 18 June 2026 and can also be downloaded via naidoc.org.au.

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2026 National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award: The late Rhoda Roberts AO

The National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals whose leadership, advocacy and contribution have had a profound and lasting impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the nation.

This year, the National NAIDOC Committee has posthumously honoured the late Rhoda Roberts AO with the NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award. A proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman from Bundjalung Country, she demonstrated a commitment to elevating First Nations voices in the arts across many decades and in many capacities and roles. Her cultural leadership championed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories at some of the most prestigious and historical Australian stages including the Sydney Opera House, and the 2000 Olympic Games. Her longstanding commitment to platforming and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories has inspired and empowered generations of creatives and reshaped the cultural and artistic landscapes they create in.

National NAIDOC Committee Co-Chair Lynette Riley said:

“Rhoda Roberts AO was a force — fearless, brilliant and deeply committed to community and culture. Rhoda had been selected for this honour, and we felt strongly that it was important to continue recognising her extraordinary contribution. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”

The NIAA expresses their respects to the late Rhoda Roberts AO’s family, loved ones and community.

Find out more at the NAIDOC Website.