ReefTO Awards
Recognising Blak leadership on Sea Country.
Across the Great Barrier Reef, Reef Traditional Owners have carried Sea Country through every tide — with knowledge, care and conviction passed through generations. The ReefTO Awards honour that leadership.
Nominations are now open.
Prefer to see the questions first? Download the full nomination form (PDF).
About the Awards
The ReefTO Awards recognise Reef Traditional Owners whose leadership, wisdom and care strengthen Sea Country. Presented across three categories — Honour, Respect and Hope — the Awards celebrate Blak leadership at every stage of life’s journey: Elders holding Lore and legacy, leaders shaping decisions today, and young people stepping forward to carry what comes next.
Recipients will be announced at the ReefTO Summit Gala Dinner on Wednesday 30 September 2026 in Gladstone — the closing celebration of the Summit where the ReefTO Alliance will be formed.
The three categories
The categories mirror ReefTO’s values — Honour the Past, Respect the Now, Hope for the Future — and hold space for the different ways leadership shows up across the Reef.
Honour
A legacy of leadership.
Recognising Elders and knowledge holders whose lifelong leadership, cultural knowledge and advocacy have remained steadfast through challenges and change, strengthening our communities and sustaining our connection to Sea Country.
To nominate: You’ll be asked about the nominee’s long-term commitment, cultural authority, impact on Sea Country, and lasting legacy.
Respect
Leadership and responsibility on Sea Country today.
Recognising those holding governance, making decisions, delivering care, and working across culture, science and community — protecting, managing and advocating for Sea Country every day.
To nominate: You’ll be asked about the nominee’s current leadership, the difference they are making for Sea Country now, how they work across culture and community, and how they use their voice.
Hope
Emerging leaders shaping tomorrow.
Recognising young Reef Traditional Owners who are stepping forward as emerging leaders, carrying culture, bringing new ideas and inspiring others through their connection to Sea Country.
To nominate: You’ll be asked about the nominee’s emerging leadership, the new ideas and energy they bring, how they hold connection to Elders and culture, and the pathways they are creating for others.
Who can be nominated
Nominations are open to Reef Traditional Owners with inherent Sea Country rights to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. All nominees must be 18 or older at the time on nomination.
- Honour category — Elders and knowledge holders.
- Respect category — Actively leading the way on Sea Country today.
- Hope category — Youth and emerging leaders between 18 – 30.
How it works
- Nominate: Complete the online nomination form. You’ll be asked about the nominee, the category you’re nominating them for, and their work and contribution to Sea Country. Nominations will close on Monday 24 August.
- Selection: A Selection Panel considers each nomination against a shared Consideration Guide, and confirms up to three Finalists per category.
- Finalist visit and storytelling: If your nominee becomes a Finalist, the ReefTO team will visit them on Country to record a short highlight reel about their work — with their free, prior and informed consent. This will be shared at the Gala Dinner and hosted on Our Reef Stories as a lasting piece of storytelling.
- Gala Dinner: Finalists are supported to attend the ReefTO Summit Gala Dinner on Wednesday 30 September 2026 in Gladstone, with travel and accommodation provided. Recipients in each category are announced on the night.
Key Dates
| Nominations open | Friday 31 August 2026 |
| Nominations close | Monday 24 August 2026, 11:59pm |
| Recipients announced | Wednesday 30 September 2026 |
Nominate someone today
If someone in your community carries this work, tell us about them. Nominations close 11:59pm, Monday 24 August 2026.
Questions?
For questions about the Awards or help with your nomination, please reach out to us on engage@reefto.au.