The first thing many notice when visiting or passing by the Our Lady of Sacred Heart Convent on Bathurst Island is a slightly weathered but unmistakable red and white banner proudly brandishing the Sydney Swans name.

It is owned by Sister Anne Gardiner who, for the past 62 years, has devoted her adult life to enriching the Tiwi Island community, boosting opportunities and preserving the culture of Indigenous people.

It is because of her decades of service that Sister Anne was named as the Senior Australian of the Year at this year’s Australian of the Year Awards at a ceremony in Canberra.

Sister Anne, 85, has been a life-long Sydney Swans supporter.

“As dedicated as she is to her religious vocation, she is also a fervent Sydney Swans fan,” friend Catherine Healy wrote in an endearing letter to the football club.

“This is in stark contrast to many other areas of Bathurst where the Essendon Bombers have a big influence. And, of course, the Rioli family also come from the Tiwi Islands.

“But Sister Anne loves any chance to speak about, or watch, her beloved Swans.”

The principle of a local primary school, Sister Anne has educated generations of children as well as establish many community clubs from Little Athletics and mothers’ groups.

She worked tirelessly to found the Patakajiyali museum which shares stories, preserves the language and upholds the traditional customs of the Tiwi people.

Draped in the Tiwi Island flag while addressing the crowd at the Canberra ceremony, Sister Anne said: “It has been my joy to witness and experience Tiwi people manage organisations, conduct school and health clinics, train others in a range of areas and administer businesses.

“They have done this by being confident in who they are, as their language and culture remain strong.”

The Sydney Swans Football Club would like to congratulate Sister Anne Gardiner on her outstanding and deserved recognition.