Held on the grassy lawns of the Katherine Town Council's civic centre, the awards marked the end of a packed Naidoc Week, recognising the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous and Torres Straight Islander people.

Carol Manfong was awarded this year's Naidoc Person of the Year for her long standing work helping Indigenous people sort out their finances and growing remote communities.

Having worked at almost all Indigenous organisations in Katherine, she has assisted hundreds of people - to break down barriers, provide culturally appropriate education and advocate for the communities which need it most.

A Jingili Mudburra woman born in Katherine, Carol Manfong always wanted to be "out bush, helping my people."

With a keen interest in finance she completed a certificate in business while working for the Jawoyn Association.

A single mother with three kids, she said she was already good with a budget, but wanted to expand on her knowledge, leading to her current role with Catholic Care as a financial wellbeing and capabilities case manager.

"We come across people who have not done their tax for years because they don't know how, or don't have access to a car to drive to Katherine," she said.

"A lot of people in remote communities don't know about finances and it is my job to make them understand."

It comes down to a lack of culturally appropriate education, accessibility and funding.

In her role, travelling to some of Australia's remotest locations she faces myriad challenges.

From navigating culture in Indigenous communities as a woman, to helping someone access Centrelink in a location with barely any mobile coverage or computers which don't work at all.

"Access is a big issue," she said.

"A lot of people are on Centrelink which is notoriously difficult to get around.

"Everything is online and for some of our older generation, who didn't go to school, they don't understand what is going on."

She said the award and recognition of her work was an unexpected surprise.

"It is a win when you see the look on someone's face after you've helped with something difficult," she said.

"I am humbled and honoured."

She said she doesn't work in her field for the accolades.

"I didn't expect to get recognition, but it means a lot to me - to be acknowledged for my hard work."

Tabitha Rossi, the regional manager for Catholic Care, met Carol Manfong when she started work at the organisation early last year.

"Carol works primarily with Aboriginal families living in remote communities to achieve financial literacy," Ms Rossi said.

"She assists them with understanding their incomes, bank accounts and budgets, and looks at each situation holistically to assess what other appropriate services may be required - for example; assessing what is going on for that family whether it be family violence, inappropriate housing or drug and alcohol misuse.

"Over the past year I have witnessed Carol develop and step into a leadership role within the team. When you first meet Carol you may not realise the wealth of knowledge, experience and passion she has, due to her quiet nature."

She said she nominated Carol for the Naidoc award for exemplifying the values important to Indigenous people.

"She is an inspirational role model and genuinely respected both personally and professionally."

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