2026 NAIDOC Poster Winner and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

The National NAIDOC Committee has announced the 2026 National NAIDOC Week Poster Competition winner, and the National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. The poster competition has been won by multidisciplinary artist Zaachariaha Fielding, known for his acclaimed music duo Electric Fields. The late Rhoda Roberts AO has been posthumously honoured with the National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award.

2026 National NAIDOC Poster Winner: Zaachariaha Fielding — Paralpi

A proud Yankunytjatjara man from the APY Lands in South Australia, Zaachariaha Fielding brings together language, sound, visual storytelling and culture in deeply powerful and contemporary ways through his artistic works. His award-winning electronic and soul duo Electric Fields have been gracing stages and airwaves for over a decade. He is also acclaimed as a visual artist, and the NAIDOC poster competition has now been added to his list of accolades.

Fielding’s artwork Paralpi was selected from submissions from across the country. The piece reflects movement, energy and continuity, carrying the stories of Ancestors forward while celebrating the creativity and cultural power of the next generation. National NAIDOC Co-Chair Steven Satour said the work captures the essence of this year’s 50-year milestone celebration:

“Fifty years of NAIDOC Week represents fifty years of visibility, resistance, pride and deadly achievement. Zaachariaha’s work feels both deeply cultural and unmistakably contemporary — which is exactly what NAIDOC represents today. It honours where we’ve come from while boldly stepping into the future.”

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 http://www.naidoc.org.au.

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

The National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award recognises and celebrates the leadership and advocacy of dedicated leaders and advocates who have had a lasting impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the nation. While the National NAIDOC Committee does not ordinarily present the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously, Rhoda Roberts AO was selected by the Committee prior to her passing. The Committee have stated their feeling that it was deeply important to continue with this recognition and honour the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind.

A proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman from Bundjalung Country, the late Rhoda Roberts AO championed the elevation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices through storytelling and artistic performance. She has left a legacy of creative excellence and cultural leadership, and her influence has transformed Australia’s artistic and cultural landscape.

Her many achievements include her roles as head of Indigenous programming at the Sydney Opera House, cultural advisor for the 2000 Summer Olympics, and the inaugural elder-in-residence at SBS Television. Her influence in these and many other roles has challenged and changed institutions to platform First Nations creatives and stories, and bring truth and representation to the entertainment industry.

“Rhoda embodied what ‘50 Years of Deadly’ represents. She showed our people that our stories belong everywhere! On stages, screens, in institutions and in the national conversation. This recognition honours a lifetime of cultural leadership and the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind.” – Steven Satour, National NAIDOC Co-Chair.

As we honour Rhoda Roberts AO’s legacy and achievements through this award, we extend our respect to her family, loved ones and community.

Find out more at the NAIDOC Website.