National

Blak Carpet rolled out for First Nations achievers

By Lloyd Jones

Aug 15, 2026

Naidoc — Former AFL player Michael Long was previously lauded for overcoming inaction on Indigenous issues. -AAP Image

The Blak Carpet is being rolled out in the Red Centre at a gala awards ceremony to recognise and celebrate individual excellence and leadership among First Nations people.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The annual NAIDOC awards ceremony takes place at the Alice Springs Convention Centre on Saturday night.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee.

Finalists have already been announced for 10 award categories including lifetime achievement, person of the year, male and female elders, sportsperson, youth, caring for country and culture, education, creative talent and innovation.

NAIDOC co-chair Aunty Lynette Riley said the finalists reflected the strength, diversity and excellence of First Nations people across the country.

"Their stories are a powerful reminder of why NAIDOC continues to matter after 50 years," she said in a statement.

At the 2025 event in Perth former AFL player Michael Long was recognised with a lifetime achievement award.

The community leader and dual Essendon premiership legend walked from Melbourne to Canberra to meet prime minister John Howard in 2004 over government inaction on Indigenous issues.

In 2023, he re-created his Long Walk to Canberra in support of the Indigenous voice to parliament.

The 2025 creative talent award was won by Torres Strait performer Christine Anu, a multi-ARIA Award winner known for her rendition of My Island Home during the Sydney 2000 Olympics.