The Mayoral Award was announced on Sunday January 26 at Coronation Park in Yass.

Auntie Lillian continue to work towards keeping the Aboriginal culture alive for the Yass Valley community.

This includes helping restore the Ngunnawal language, since the start of 2019.

"It feels terrific [to be recognised]," Auntie Lillian said. "It is the contribution of Aboriginal people in the community being recognised. I would like to thank Mayor Rowena, Yass Valley Council and the community."

The Yass-born Aboriginal elder is involved with the Yass Valley Council Aboriginal Consultative Committee.

The betterment of people motivates her to work for the community. "It shows the community that no matter who you are or how old you are, if you want something, you can achieve it," she said.

Auntie Lillian highlighted the importance of community. "It is important for the community to put aside their differences and come together and work with each other to create a better tomorrow for our future generations," she said.

Brad Bell from the Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council said that Auntie Lillian had given people the confidence to go ahead and do what they want to in life.

"She has the ambition to make the community a better community," Mr Bell said.