Two renowned and iconic Indigenous artists have been awarded Lifetime Achievement gongs at the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards.
Barkantji elder and political activist Uncle Badger Bates and Gija artist, ceremonial singer and dancer Aunty Mabel Juli both picked up the prestigious Red Ochre awards at the Creative Australia ceremony on Tuesday night.
The awards are held on May 27 each year, to mark the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the start of National Reconciliation Week.
Uncle Badger travelled up and down the Barka (Darling River) with his grandmother 'Granny Moysey' as a child, who taught him about his Barkandji culture and showed him how to carve.
His intricate emu egg carvings, linocut prints, and public artworks highlight his deep connection to the Barka.
"I am truly overwhelmed to be the nominated recipient of this award," Uncle Badger said.
"It is a dream come true for someone who grew up on the Barka riverbank and almost never went to school or art school.
"It has always been very important for me to bring my people along with me, and I am hoping this award will give confidence to younger First Nations artists."
Aunty Mabel is a celebrated Gija artist, known for her striking black and white paintings depicting the Moon and Star Dreaming stories. She is also an important ceremonial singer and dancer.
Creative Australia executive director First Nations Arts and Culture, Franchesca Cubillo, said the awards were a celebration and recognition of the remarkable achievements of First Nations artists.
"We are very proud to honour their excellence and artistry, as well as their invaluable contributions to our arts and culture," she said.
"We acknowledge the role of First Nations artists in sharing untold stories, creating innovative works and forms of expression, and safeguarding our traditional knowledge."
Indigenous, Pasifika and West Asian writer Meleika Gesa, and First Nations and Zimbabwean emerging R&B artist Dean Brady were both awarded the Dreaming Award, for young emerging artists.
Other award recipients include:
Brenda Gifford (First Nations Fellowship), a Yuin woman, accomplished saxophonist, pianist, and trailblazing composer in contemporary classical and jazz, is the recipient of the First Nations Fellowship.
Tibian Wyles (First Nations Emerging Career Development Award): A Warrgamay and Kalkadoon descendant, and rising star in the acting industry.
Sarah Prestwidge (First Nations Emerging Career Development Award) is a Darug, Boorooberongal national descendant, accomplished soprano and music educator.
Ms Prestwidge said she hope to set a powerful example for other Indigenous artists.
"This not only challenges stereotypes but also inspires and paves the way for other young Indigenous artists, demonstrating that they too can pursue their dreams beyond borders while maintaining a connection to their roots," she said.
"Ultimately, I hope to return to Australia to share the knowledge and skills I've learnt to inspire the next generation of young First Nation opera singers".
