indigenous leader of the year

Recognising an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander role model who is leading technological innovation within their community or the broader digital industry. 

This award acknowledges the importance of First Nations voices in helping to build the technology we use every day. Additionally, the award recognises the unique contribution of First Nations people who are innovating and using technology to solve problems that are specific to their communities, including the preservation of indigenous languages and cultures for future generations of all Australians.

 

Eligibility Criteria

 The person eligible for this award must:

  • Identify as She/Her, She/They, or They/Them

  • Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

  • Reside in Australia

  • Be in a technology focussed role in any capacity - this includes technical roles, community roles, advocacy, policy, education, or leadership positions where technology is a significant enabler of their work
  • The achievements described may span multiple years, though recent impact (within the last two financial years) should be highlighted
Assessment Criteria

 What we are looking for in the entry:

  • The role technology plays in the nominee's work and the impact it enables - regardless of job title
  • Tangible results and meaningful impact, whether within a community, organisation, or the broader industry
  • Leadership, advocacy, or mentorship that uplifts others - particularly First Nations people in or entering the tech sector
  • Commitment to continuous professional development and an appetite for learning
  • Active involvement in the digital community

Tip: When responding to questions, please provide as many numerical measures as possible - quantifying your success will help contextualise your submission for the industry judges.

 

Nomination Questions
  1. Full name (first and last name)

  2. Role Title

  3. Organisation

  4. LinkedIn URL

  5. Bio (150 words)

  6. Share the organisation or initiative's elevator pitch (50 words)

  7. Describe your work at the intersection of technology and your community or industry. What are you trying to achieve, and why does it matter? This doesn't need to be a single project - it can reflect ongoing work or a body of contributions. (200 words).
  8. What challenges have been faced in this work? How have you navigated them, particularly in relation to the unique needs of your community or the broader industry? (300 words)
  9. What impact has your work had? Share any measurable outcomes, community feedback, or indicators of success - formal metrics and qualitative stories are equally valued. (300 words)
  10. How have you demonstrated leadership or mentorship through their work, particularly in uplifting and inspiring others in your community or the tech industry? (150 words)
  11. Share any contributions made to support First Nations communities or promote inclusion in the tech sector - this could include preserving language or culture, building digital skills, influencing policy, or advocating for ethical technology. (200 words)
Nomination Fee 
 To continue growing and elevating the Women in Digital Awards, this year we have introduced a fee of $199 per award nomination. If you are a Women in Digital Member, you receive one free nomination as part of your membership benefits! To access this benefit, entrants must be a confirmed Women in Digital member at the time of submission. You can find your exclusive discount code in the Member Portal. Not a member? Join today!

Rebecca Manly

 Rebecca Manly 

Personalisation Senior Product Lead
Australian Broadcasting Corporation

 

Key Dates

Nominations Open
27 May 2026 at 09:00 AM
Nominations Close
19 Jul 2026 at 11:30 PM
Finalist Judging Day
13 Aug 2026 at 09:00 AM
Finalists Announced
2 Sep 2026 at 09:00 AM
Winners Announced
6 Nov 2026 at 05:30 PM
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