The winners of the National Indigenous Sports Awards have been announced at a grand gala held in Naarm Melbourne overnight.
First held in 1986, the prestigious awards, this year presented by the Indigenous Sports Network, celebrate the wealth of First Nations athletic talent from across the continent.
Previous winners include Cathy Freeman, Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Lionel Rose. This year's nominee list is equally star-studded.
Following a solemn smoking ceremony, and all the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, some of the country's greatest sportspeople crowded the MCG's Olympic Room for a fun evening celebrating Blak excellence.
Check out the winners.
Sports Person Award
Patty Mills was recognised for his stellar achievements, representing Blak excellence on the world stage. Credit: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
In 2024, Mr Mills represented the country at the Olympics in Paris for a fifth time in basketball.
Para cyclist Amanda Reid and NRLW player Olivia Kernick were finalists for this award.
Elder Sports Person Award
Uncle Tony Lovett took home the Elder Sports Person Award.
He had a notable AFL career, and was inducted to the AFL Masters Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements.
He made his AFL debut in 1984 and played over 100 games for St Kilda.
After his playing career, he has remained involved in football and community through various coaching and development roles.
Howard Smith and Aunty Rieo Ellis were finalists for this award.
National Sports Competition of the Year
A community staple, the Koori Knockout brings together footy-playing mob from all over the state to do what they do best. Credit: Danny Dalton
The Knockout celebrates and promotes Indigenous culture through sport.
Not only does the Knockout showcases Indigenous athletes but is also a platform for fostering community engagement and cultural exchange.
SA Aboriginal Football and Netball Carnival and Kari Foundation Ella 7s were finalists for this award.
National Sports Volunteer of the Year
Justin Downing won Sports Volunteer of the Year Award.
Mr Downing got the Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball club off the ground and has demonstrated outstanding commitment and passion in his volunteer work for the club.
Kristy Jetta and Charlie Williams were finalists for this award.
National Community Sporting Organisation of the Year
The National Community Sporting Organisation of the Year Award was given to Rumbalara Football and Netball Club (RFNC). RFNC are a First Nations led sporting club that focuses on a holistic approach of self determination through sport, health and education.
VACSAL and Koorie Academy Basketball were finalists for this award.
National Sports Team of the Year
Walgett Aboriginal Connection has won the Koori Knockout five times, winning consecutive titles in 2023 and 2024.
Their golden run has seen them awarded the award for National Sports team of the year.
Rumbalara A Grade Netball Team and Lloyd McDermott U16 & U18 Girls Rugby 7's team were finalists for this award.
National Sportsperson with a Disability of the Year
Amanda Reid won Gold at the 2024 paralympics, and she took home the prize on Saturday as well. Credit: GREG SMITH/AAPIMAGE
Ms Reid is a Wemba Wemba and Guringai para cyclist and has won back-to-back gold medals in the women's C1-3 500m time trial at the Paris Paralympics, breaking her own world record to win.
Telaya Blacksmith and Archie Graham were finalists for this award.
National Sports Official of the Year
The National Sports Official of the Year Award was taken home by Noongar man Joshua James.
Mr James is an AFL umpire and recently named the inaugural recipient of the AFL umpires scholarship for Indigenous umpires.
Jaquai Dover and Ali Tucker-Munro were finalists for this award.
National Sports Media Representative of the Year
Sports media personality and journalist Hannah Hollis took home the Sports Media Representative of the Year Award.
Ms Hollis is known for her work in covering AFL and other major sporting events.
Ms Hollis is passionate about promoting women's sports and has been an advocate for increasing visibility and opportunities for female athletes in the media.
Eddie Betts and Bo Dela Cruz were finalists for this award.
National Sports Coach of the Year
Barkindji woman Jessica Skinner won the Sports Coach of the Year Award.
Ms Skinner is a trailblazer in rugby league, breaking barriers for Indigenous women and coaches.
She is the first woman to coach the Indigenous All Stars, and has coached the Jillaroo's, the First Nations National Championships, and the Newcastle Knights.
Andrew Walker and Kerry Williams were finalists for this award.
National Junior Sportsperson of the Year
Telaya Blacksmith said her inspiration growing up was Cathy Freeman. She's now making waves in the same world as her hero. Source: AAP / JANE DEMPSTER/AAPIMAGE
At just 16, she represented Australia at the Paralympics, breaking Australian Under 20 and Open records in the 400m and long jump.
Telaya also won three gold medals at the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games and competed at the 2023 Virtus Global Games in France.
Her record-breaking performances at such a young age have established her as one of the country's top para-athletes.
Cody Walker and Rhani Hagan were finalists for this award.
National Sportsperson Lifetime Achievement
Lionel Rose was a champion boxer in his time, who rose above poverty to triumph in the ring.
Lionel Rose (1948–2011) was a trailblazing boxer and the first Indigenous Australian to win a world title.
Growing up in poverty in rural Victoria, he overcame significant challenges to become the WBA World Bantamweight Champion in 1968.
In addition to his boxing accomplishments, Rose's legacy is marked by his courage in overcoming adversity and his role as a trailblazer for Indigenous athletes in Australian sport.
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Lionel
biography • documentary • 2008
biography • documentary • 2008
National Sportsperson Trailblazer of the Year
Yorta Yorta man Glenn James OAM won the National Sportsperson Trailblazer of the Year Award.
Mr James made history as Australia’s first and only known Indigenous VFL umpire.
He umpired 166 VFL games from 1977 to 1985, including two grand finals in 1982 and 1984.
A key figure in his community, Mr James was a respected leader in his family and an inspiration to many, particularly in the Goulburn Valley region.
His recognition as an AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round honouree reflects his groundbreaking contributions to both Australian sport and Indigenous representation in football.
