95 year old Laurie Baymarrwangga from the Crocodile Islands in the Northern Territory has been named Senior Australian of the Year.

The elder, who lives 650 kilometres to the east of Darwin, was not well enough to accept the award in person, so her friend Bentley James accepted the accolade on her behalf.

He says Laurie is a national treasure who has worked tirelessly to preserve the environment and cultural knowledge of her people for each new generation.

Mr. James also admits he and the community are very proud of her achievement after a lifetime of hard work.

"Everybody is delighted and everybody respects and understands what a great meaning this has for bringing attention to the wealth and joy of homeland living."