(L to R) Susan Templeman MP, Candice Lorrae, Ben Graetz, Lily Shearer, Shellie Morris AO, Gutiŋgarra Yuŋupiŋgu, Tony Albert, Vanessa Inkamala. Photo: Joseph Mayers
Among those honoured were soprano Prof Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, celebrated poet and activist Lionel Fogarty, leading First Nations musician and educator Dr Shellie Morris AO, and cultural arts champion Lily Shearer – all recognised with the prestigious Red Ochre Award for Lifetime Achievement.
The awards, held each year on the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the opening of National Reconciliation Week, honour First Nations excellence and the outstanding contributions of First Nations artists to arts, culture, and community.
This year marked the expansion of the awards, including three new categories introduced to reflect the growing diversity of First Nations arts leadership across generations and industries.
Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu received the Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts, while Tony Albert was awarded Established Artist of the Year Award. Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre was honoured with the First Nations Arts & Culture Business Innovation Award.
Also acknowledged at the awards were the two recipients of 2024 First Nations Fellowships, including performing arts trailblazer, Ben Graetz and singer/songwriter and music producer, Candice Lorrae.
Franchesca Cubillo, Executive Director First Nations Arts and Culture, said:
“These First Nations individuals and organisations represent the strength, depth and diversity of First Nations creative practices across the country. We take this moment to congratulate and celebrate these remarkable artists and thank them for leading the way for future generations.”
Creative Australia congratulates the recipients and shortlistees of the 2025 Awards.
Red Ochre Awards for Lifetime Achievement
For Artistic Excellence
Prof Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO
Lionel Fogarty
For Cultural Advocacy and Leadership
Dr Shellie Morris AO
Lily Shearer
Youth Award for Achievement in the Arts
Recipient: Gutingarra Yunupingu
Shortlisted: Bebe Oliver, Aidan Hartshorn
Established Artist of the Year Award
Recipient: Tony Albert
Shortlisted: Troy Cassar-Daley, Yhonnie Scarce
First Nations Arts & Culture Business Innovation Award
Recipient: Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre
Shortlisted: Blaklash, mili mili
The Awards were assessed by an independent panel of First Nations Industry Advisors, with the Red Ochre Awards determined by the Creative Australia First Nations Board. All recipients were nominated by peers and colleagues from across the country.
More information about the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards can be found on our website.
Media contacts:
Brianna Roberts, Media Manager
Creative Australia
Mobile: 0498 123 541
