Sissy and Will Austin were awarded the joint Young Leader award for their contribution to the Indigenous community. 

The siblings said it was an absolute shock to be awarded such a high honour. 

"We didn't actually realise how big the event and the award was," Sissy said. 

"When we got to Federation Square on Monday and started seeing some familiar faces, we both said to each other, 'wow, I think this is actually a big deal'."

The 20-year-old Gunditjmara woman was chosen to attend the Straight Talk National Indigenous Summit for Indigenous women last month, which focused on how to create change at a higher level.

She also works with Indigenous people in Ballarat to promote cultural awareness and speak about identity and the importance of protecting aboriginal history. 

"It awesome to be recognised for the hard work I've been doing," Sissy said. 

"Receiving the award has made me stop and reflect on the journey I've been on to bring me to this point, and for Pride of Australia to actually recognise that is a great feeling."

The pair joins domestic violence advocate Rosie Batty and several other worthy recipients.