• Emerging Leaders Award – For an individual under the age of 30 demonstrating leadership, initiative and practical contribution to northern development.
• Allan Dale Trailblazer Award - Recognising practical place-based innovation shaped by northern Australia’s unique conditions, delivering real outcomes for people, industry and/or environment.
• First Nations Leadership Award - Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders creating lasting outcomes for people, Country and communities across northern Australia.

• Open to residents of Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia who are based in northern Australia, which is defined as all of the Northern Territory and those parts of Queensland and Western Australia that intersect with the Tropic of Capricorn, including the Indian Ocean Territories of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Refer https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions/regional-australia/office-northern-australia

Awards will be judged by an independent panel of northern Australian representatives. Nominations will be assessed against the criteria, considering leadership, collaboration and the tangible outcomes delivered for people, place and industry across the north.

Winning a DNAC26 Award is more than recognition, it’s an opportunity to step into the national conversation shaping Northern Australia’s future.

Each award recipient will receive:

• A complimentary full conference registration to DNAC26, placing you in the room with senior leaders, decision-makers, investors and changemakers from across the north (over $1600 value)
• Return economy flights and two nights’ accommodation, ensuring you can attend and fully participate in the experience (over $3000 value)
• Formal recognition at the DNAC26 Networking Function, celebrated in front of peers, industry leaders and key stakeholders
• A professionally engraved award, acknowledging your contribution to Northern Australia
• A platform to elevate your work, story and impact, increasing visibility and opening the door to new connections, opportunities and collaborations

This is your opportunity to be recognised not just for what you’ve done, but for where your work can take you next.