Susan Dixon — who helped establish the City of Port Adelaide Enfield's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Awards more than two decades ago — has been recognised with the Lifetime Achievement award at this year's ceremony on Kaurna Country.

The event, held on Wednesday night at Yitpi Yartapuultiku, brought together community members to celebrate First Nations leadership, culture and achievement across the council area in Adelaide's west.

The awards were first created in 1998 after Ms Dixon, the late Aunty Josie Agius and Elder Pat Waria-Read approached the council to establish an annual event recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions.

Ms Dixon has also been involved in local advocacy and community representation, including on the council's Aboriginal Advisory Panel.

This year's ceremony acknowledged a wide range of achievements across education, sport, arts and community service.

Elder Patricia Waria-Read was named Elder of the Year, while Najwa Richards and Peter Miller Koncz were jointly awarded Person of the Year.

The Educational Achievement award went to Chloe Rivett, and the Aunty Josie Agius Youth Achievement Award was presented to Kashiah Dixon-Miller and Crystal Edwards.

In the sports category, Shanika Ah Matt-Lovett, Lilly Tonkin-Garlett and Damien Wanganeen were recognised as Sportspersons of the Year.

Artist Daisybell Foster received the Contribution to the Arts award.

Community organisations were also honoured.

Tauondi College, represented by Kevin Coleman, was recognised for its work supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, while the Junction Community Centre and Sophia Katari were acknowledged for contributions made by non-Indigenous individuals and groups.

A spokesperson for the council said "the awards remain an important way of celebrating First Nations culture and recognising the role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play across the region."