First Nations Media Awards

The First Nations Media Australia Awards 2024 will call for entries across all media: public, commercial and community.  The Awards are about sharing success from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations around Australia.  They will highlight success in First Nations Australia—distinctive content that is audience connected, that is creative and brave.

The Awards are important for us to celebrate our peers and colleagues in awards judged by our own people. It is an opportunity to network, giving everyone a sense of achievement and pride.  The awards will inspire others.  They will be a celebration for the community work being done and highlight the social impact, where we are making a difference to our communities. It will also underline the diversity of ideas and views within a First Nations.

The First Nations Media Awards will be held at QT Canberra on Thursday 21 November 2024. Tickets can be purchased when you register for the conference.

Nominations for the First Nations Media Awards 2024 are now open! We invite you to participate and honour the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations in First Nations media.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an award, either you or the person/organisation you are nominating must be a member of First Nations Media Australia. Don't worry if you're not a member yet, you can easily sign up through FNMA's website before submitting your nomination.  

Award Categories

Nominations are invited across six categories, each designed to acknowledge excellence in various facets of First Nations media. While you're welcome to submit entries in multiple categories, please note that you can only make a maximum of two submissions per category.

Major Awards

First Nations Outstanding Contributor Award – Organisation

The Outstanding Contributor Award is presented annually to an active media organisation who, through their work, has made a significant contribution to their organisation, community or to the development of the national First Nations media industry. Their contribution can be in one or more fields - broadcasting, production, leadership, management, training, technical innovation or other activities relating to the First Nations media industry.

Community Leadership Award – Individual

The Community Leadership Award is presented annually to an active media practitioner who, through their work, has made a significant contribution to their organisation, community or to the development of the national First Nations media industry. Their contribution can be in one or more fields - broadcasting, production, leadership, management, training, technical innovation or other activities relating to the First Nations media industry. This is to recognise the unsung heroes working in our industry. The nominee is an individual who is currently working in the First Nations media Industry.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually in recognition of lifetime achievement and dedication to the development of the national First Nations media industry. It recognises an individual who has played, or continues to play, a significant leadership and/or development role.

Development Awards

Organisational Excellence Award

This Award recognises best practice in governance, leadership and organisational development. Organisations are invited to outline activities in the last year relating to governance development and training, leadership, strategic planning, community consultation and engagement, business development, fundraising or other activities that have improved organisational practices and outcomes. At least one reference from an external organisation/observer is required to validate the application and outcomes.

Best Training and Professional Development Award 

This award recognises the planning and delivery of engaging, timely, appropriate training and professional development for media workers and staff. It can include formal and informal training and partnerships, provided the role of the nominating organisation is clearly outlined. It can also include professional development of a trainee or cadet.

Young Leaders Award

This award recognises a nominee under 25 years old who is making a difference in our local communities and to acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of young Indigenous Australians. This award provide an opportunity to acknowledge their tireless efforts and the impacts that showcase the recipients as a role models within the community.