This year's Forbes NAIDOC Week celebration was a display of community, culture and the strength of the next generation honouring this year's NAIDOC Week theme, 'The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy'.

Proud Aboriginal women, Natasha Harris, was named Indigenous Person of the Year (over 18), recognising her dedication and cultural pride which shines through her focus on inclusiveness and willingness to educate more people about aboriginal culture and history.

Natasha was described as an inspiration at the ceremony and is highly regarded by her colleagues and community.

NAIDOC Week is Natasha's favourite time of the year as she loves watching everyone come together and celebrate but unfortunately she was unable to attend the event this year to accept her award.

Natasha sent a huge thank you to her mob, her work team and the NAIDOC committee who made the day come to life.

Indigenous Person of the year (under 18) was awarded to Red Bend Catholic College year 12 student Mykel Coe.

Mykel was recognised for his strong leadership and dedication to Aboriginal education and cultural preservation.

As president of the Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and by actively engaging in indigenous cultural events Mykel mentors younger students, encouraging them to embrace their cultural identity and seek education as a pathway of empowerment.

"Mykel is a role model for the future generations of aboriginal students demonstrating that education, community involvement and cultural preservation are integral parts of fostering change and growth," Bridie Hughes said.

Year seven Red Bend Catholic College student Eli Bowden-Boland was recognised for his outstanding achievements in rugby union and athletics being awarded Sportsperson of the Year.

Eli represented the U13 Central West Rugby Union at the State Championships where they placed second in the Country Championships and seventh overall.

At this championships Eli was named Player of the Tournament which was decided by his teammates and additionally Eli was selected for both the Red Bend U13s rugby league team and the Lachlan Development team.

Eli is known as a very respected person among his peers and works hard to succeed at everything he does.

The MC for the event was Bridie Hughes who conducted the Acknowledgement of Country alongside Aunty Wendy Hughes after Boganbila Cultruals and local students performed the traditional opening.

At the conclusion of the ceremony Peter Bright from Forbes Lions Club was happy to announce that the Lions Club will again be awarding three aboriginal scholarships at the end of the year to students who begin high school next year.