A globally-recognised trailblazer, current star dominating in their craft, and a recently retired champion have headlined honours at the annual awards celebrating Indigenous excellence in sport.
Brought back to life after a two decades gone in 2023, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards handed out this year's honours in Magandjin/Brisbane on the weekend.
Female athletes were at the forefront of top gongs.
After writing history in taking home her second Dally M medal as the NRLW's best, en route to steering the Broncos to the premiership, Barada woman Tamika Upton was awarded National Sportsperson of the Year.
Upton was the first woman to be named the league's best on two occasions.
The Brisbane, Queensland and Australian fullback piled success on top of success in 2025 - only soured by a 2-1 Origin series defeat, most recently helping the Jillaroos to 40-6 win over New Zealand in Pacific Championships final.
14-time Grand Slam winner (seven singles titles, seven doubles titles) and International Tennis Hall of Fame member Evonne Goolagong Cawley was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement award on Saturday night.
Since retirement, much of Goolagong Cawley's work has been committed to strengthening the pathway for future First Nations tennis champions.
In 2025 a scholarship in her name was established to further assist these efforts.
"I've always believed that with support and opportunity, every young person can achieve something extraordinary. This scholarship is about opening doors —helping young First Nations players to dream big and chase those dreams," Goolagong Cawley said in June.
The annual Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day celebrates Indigenous culture and engagement in the Australian Open each January - the event where she lifted the trophy on four occasions throughout her career.
A Matildas icon was also acknowledged on the night. After 104 caps in the national side and career spanning close to two decades, Lydia Williams called time on a trailblazing legacy left in football - recognised as such at the awards.
Speaking on Saturday, Williams said it's not why you play, but is "honoured" to be named Trailblazer of the year.
"I actually consider it an accountability marker and the highest recognition that my hard work is paying off," Williams said in her acceptance speech.
"Being a trailblazer means clearing the branches and breaking barriers so the ones coming through next have one less hurdle," she said, NITV reports.
Williams retired in August.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards were first held in 1986 - established by the late Charles Perkins.
The awards were held regularly, and annually between 1999-2003.
Co-organiser and Essendon champion Nathan Lovett-Murray has been key to their resurgence onto the calendar.
Lovett-Murray said 2025's awards night was "an amazing night of black excellence in sport. The highlights being Lydia Williams acknowledgement as the Trailblazer of the Year, and Evonne Goolagong Cawley receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award".
Cricket World Cup winner and two-time Belinda Clark Award winner Ash Gardner and NBA champion and Boomers veteran Patty Mills have taken the top gong in recent years.
Names like Cathy Freeman (a multi-time sportswoman of the year winner), Lionel Rose, VFL umpiring icon Glenn James and Paralympic gold medal winner Amanda Reid have featured as those honoured across Awards' history.
2025 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards
National sportsperson of the year: Tamika Upton
Lifetime Achievement award: Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Trailblazer of the year: Lydia Williams
Junior sportsperson of the year: Landen Smales (Surfing)
Sportsperson with a disability of the year: Katelyn Smith (ParaMatildas)
Team of the year: Fitzory Stars (Australian Rules)
Official of the year: James Dean (Tennis umpire)
Coach of the year: David Williams (Football)
Sports Media: Charlie King (Broadcasting)
Volunteer of the year: April Le Seur (Rumbalara Football Netball Club)
Senior Elder of the year: Biirrinba Coastal Emus (2025 Elders Olympics winners)
Sporting Organisation of the year: Arrernte Community Boxing Academy
Competition of the year: Murri Carnival (Rugby League, Queensland)
