An unbeaten talent quickly rising through the ranks, Australian record-breaker, junior world champion and more were crowned National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Award winners at the weekend.
Gadigal Country hosted the awards night for the first time in over two decades, with athletes, officials, teams and those making a major impact in the sporting landscape recognised.
Fresh off extending his undefeated professional record in the ring 24 hours beforehand, former Olympic Games silver medallist and rapidly-rising boxer Callum Peters was named Sportsperson of the Year.
The 23-year-old had on Friday night defeated Colombian Juan Diego Ortiz by unanimous decision in their middleweight bout at No Limit's fight night to further prove his credentials as a star on the rise.
Still shy of two years since turning pro, Peters has already collected an Australian Title and the IBF Pan Pacific middleweight belt on route to a 10-0 win to start his career, with eight knockouts within.
He's currently rated 15 in his weight class by IBF, and continues to be heralded as one of Australian boxing's most exciting talents to watch.
Youngest-ever and first Indigenous ISA (International Surfing Association) junior world champion Leihani Zoric claimed Junior Sportsperson of the Year.
At 13 years old, the Yued Yorga achieved the historic triumph in El Salvador in September.
It was only mid-way through last year when Biripi and Darug sprinter Layla Sharp made the shift to long jump.
In Glasgow at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year, Sharp set an Australian record in the women's Long Jump T38 with a 5.06 meter to take home silver in the event.
The 18-year-old para-athlete was recognised with the Sportsperson with a Disability Award at Saturday's awards night.
Writing history winning their club's first-ever women's flag, Fitzroy Stars FNC's women's football team was named sports team of the year, and Wiradjuri woman and Super Netball umpire Jordan Kiss was crowned official of the year after receiving netball's highest qualification, the International Umpire Award, this year.
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards returned in 2023 after a 20 year absence, having been first held four decades ago.
Essendon Bombers champion Nathan Lovett-Murray, and his Indigenous Sports Network, now present the annual honours.
The late Uncle Tony Mundine was recognised with the National Lifetime Achievement Award following the iconic boxer's passing in August.
The Trailblazer award recognised cricket icon and member of the first-ever sports team to leave Australia, the 1868 Aboriginal XI and tour to England, Johnny Mullagh.
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Bunurong Sporting Club's Emma Thomas was named Volunteer of the Year, Australian Men's Masters 45 national hockey team coach Troy Williamson took home Coach of the Year and Christopher Hume, who runs Warrior Boxing Club in Healesville, was named Senior Elder Sportsperson.
Bringing it back to where it all began in Newcastle, the 30th UniSport Indigenous Nationals were named Sports Competition of the year.
John Moriarty Football was recognised with the Community Sporting Organisation award.
Bo de le Cruz won the Sports Media award.
