Indigenous leader Andrea Mason is being celebrated for her work empowering women and helping to conquer domestic violence in the Northern Territory.
Chief executive of community organisation Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women's Council, Ms Mason has assisted around 2,000 women in remote Indigenous communities understand their potential.
"We help women learn about their country, women’s law and allow them to take on responsibilities as the next generation of leaders," Ms Mason told 9News.com.au.
Ms Mason was named Australian Businesswoman of the Year back in November, just two weeks after receiving the title of NT Australian of the Year.
"She has involved the entire community in her business model and built a blueprint for making a difference,” award ambassador Joe Pollard said.
"Significantly, Ms Mason has developed a replicable commercial process and relationships to make it sustainable."
Ms Mason’s organisation, which oversees a 350,000 square kilometre region of Central Australia, provides a range of advocacy, family, community and research services.
The council works with women and their families to improve health and quality of life, while employing strategies to address family and domestic violence.
"It’s a holistic organisation which allows women to learn they have a voice," Ms Mason said.
One of many projects founded by the NPY is the Tjanpi Desert Weavers, founded in 1995, which enables women in remote central deserts in the nation to earn income through weaving fibre art.
"'Tjanpi’ is the Aboriginal word for grass, and they use that fibre to create works which represent the Dreamtime,” Ms Mason said.
"Across the region, there are around 400 fibre artists."
Ms Mason said the NPY’s anti-violence campaign is currently focusing on "primary prevention both with the victim, with their family, but also really reaching out to (directly involve) men”.
In response to being bestowed the "great honour" of a Australian of the Year finalist, Ms Mason said she felt "amazing".
"I already feel as though I’m blessed, working in an area which gives me great satisfaction and enjoyment.
"I’m so pleased it allows me to talk about the really incredible work we do in Central Australia."
Ms Mason joined the NPY Women’s Council in 2009. She said it was one of the first of its kind in the area upon its founding 20 years ago.
Ms Mason is one of eight Australians in the running to win the Australian of the Year Award.
The awards look to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Australians who have served as leaders and role models within their local communities.