Recognising his decades of dedication, John Mogridge, the City of Swan’s Aboriginal Partnerships and Development Specialist, won the prestigious Community Person of the Year Award at the NAIDOC Perth Awards 2026.
John is a highly respected Noongar man and community leader who has devoted 20 years to empowering Aboriginal youth, promoting culture, and supporting First Nations communities across Western Australia.
The annual NAIDOC Perth Awards celebrate outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence across WA. The awards are an annual prelude to National NAIDOC Week, which will run across Australia from July 5–12, 2026, under the theme 50 Years of Deadly’.
As the winner of the WA Community Person of the Year Award, John will now go forward to the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony on August 15, 2026 in Mparntwe – Alice Springs.
Tanya Richardson, City of Swan Mayor, said, “This is a wonderful achievement for John.
“His tireless advocacy and cultural leadership make him a deserving recipient of this coveted award.
“We wish him all the best for further success at the National Awards.”
The National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual’s achievements and leadership over many years, as well as demonstrated community involvement and commitment at the local, regional and/or national levels.
Dozens of community gatherings, flag-raisings, and cultural celebrations are scheduled to take place across WA during NAIDOC Week. Details of local events can be found at Local NAIDOC Week events | NAIDOC.
John is a highly respected Noongar man and community leader who has devoted 20 years to empowering Aboriginal youth, promoting culture, and supporting First Nations communities across Western Australia.
The annual NAIDOC Perth Awards celebrate outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence across WA. The awards are an annual prelude to National NAIDOC Week, which will run across Australia from July 5–12, 2026, under the theme 50 Years of Deadly’.
As the winner of the WA Community Person of the Year Award, John will now go forward to the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony on August 15, 2026 in Mparntwe – Alice Springs.
Tanya Richardson, City of Swan Mayor, said, “This is a wonderful achievement for John.
“His tireless advocacy and cultural leadership make him a deserving recipient of this coveted award.
“We wish him all the best for further success at the National Awards.”
The National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual’s achievements and leadership over many years, as well as demonstrated community involvement and commitment at the local, regional and/or national levels.
Dozens of community gatherings, flag-raisings, and cultural celebrations are scheduled to take place across WA during NAIDOC Week. Details of local events can be found at Local NAIDOC Week events | NAIDOC.