THE SUMMIT 2026
Awards
Celebrating excellence in Indigenous enterprise, employment and advocacy across NSW
THE AWARDS
Recognising Excellence in Indigenous Enterprise
The Summit Awards showcase and celebrate leadership and outstanding achievements by businesses, government departments, agencies, and individuals. Category nominations are judged on their contribution to economic outcomes for Indigenous people and communities in NSW — through the growth of Indigenous-owned businesses, their engagement in government and industry supply chains, and the employment and career advancement of Indigenous people.
Entering The Summit Awards is a rewarding experience. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the goals, strategies, and vision that have shaped your success. Winning an award often opens doors to new markets, broadens networks, and raises your business or personal brand within your sector and among your peers.
2026 CATEGORIES
Award Categories
Click "View Eligibility & Criteria" on any category to see full eligibility requirements and judging criteria.
⭐
Emerging Indigenous Enterprise of the Year
Celebrates a newly established Indigenous-owned business that has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and market potential — reflecting the ambition and capability of the next generation of leadership in the Indigenous business sector.
🏙️
Indigenous Business of the Year – Metro
Honours an established Indigenous-owned business based in an urban setting that exemplifies business excellence, commercial success, and measurable impact in a highly competitive metropolitan market.
🌾
Indigenous Business of the Year – Regional
Recognises a regionally based Indigenous-owned business that has made a significant economic and social impact within its local community and industry — demonstrating strong governance, resilience, and a deep commitment to regional development.
🦅
Indigenous Business Woman of the Year
Recognises an outstanding Indigenous woman business owner who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and contribution to her community and sector — honouring her business success and her influence as a mentor, innovator, and changemaker driving Indigenous economic empowerment.
👤
Indigenous Employee of the Year
Awarded to a high-performing Indigenous employee, graduate, trainee or apprentice who has shown dedication, growth, and excellence within their role — embodying professionalism, a commitment to community values, and outstanding leadership potential.
🫱🏽🫲🏾
Industry Partner of the Year
Celebrates a corporate organisation that has gone beyond compliance, establishing deep, authentic impact with Indigenous businesses — honouring consistent investment in capacity building, innovation, and long-term economic inclusion throughout their supply chain.
🏛️
NSW Government Department or Agency of the Year
Recognises a government department or agency that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to Aboriginal engagement — actively integrating the NSW Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) across their operations and championing systemic change and equitable opportunity.
🎓
Employment, Training & Education Provider of the Year
Celebrates any government or private sector organisation with a strong commitment and demonstrated success in supporting quality Indigenous employment, training, education and/or careers — through unique programs and initiatives that build the professional capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
🌱
Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award
Celebrates an individual, organisation, or initiative that has demonstrated leadership in environmental stewardship — honouring those who embed sustainable practices and Traditional Knowledge into their operations to care for Country.
📋
NSW Government Procurement Professional of the Year
Recognises an individual NSW Government procurement professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in embedding the Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP) across their agency — championing the NSWICC's Buying on Country — Equitable Procurement Practices (EPP) training as the benchmark for capability in their team.
👏🏽
Wuu-rri Vending – Empowering Indigenous Enterprise Award
Recognises a Wuu-rri Vending host partner whose vending machine placements have generated the highest financial contribution to the NSWICC's capacity-building programs — celebrating impactful corporate-community partnerships that enable the success of Indigenous youth and enterprise.
🏆
MAJOR AWARD
Outstanding Individual or Organisational Contribution to Indigenous Advocacy
This prestigious major award honours an individual or organisation whose career, leadership and advocacy have created profound and lasting change in advancing the rights, representation, and economic empowerment of Indigenous peoples through procurement, business, and employment.
NOMINATIONS
Nominations Opening Soon
Nominations for the 2026 NSWICC Awards will open in the coming months.
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01
Nominations Open
Nominations open to NSWICC Assured Members and NSWICC Partner organisations
02
Judging Panel Review
An independent judging panel reviews all submissions
03
Finalists Announced
Finalists announced ahead of The Summit
04
Winners Revealed
Winners announced at the Awards & Gala Dinner, 3 November