The Black Arm Band has been recognised for their outstanding achievement, receiving one of Australia’s most prestigious awards – The Sidney Myer Performing Arts, Group Award.

The Fred Hollows Foundation has partnered with the Black Arm Band since 2009 to deliver community workshops and inspiring performances to regional and remote communities across the Northern Territory and the Kimberley in Western Australia.

Working closely with community leaders and health services, The Foundation and The Black Arm Band toured to five communities in 2009, promoting and celebrating contemporary Australian Indigenous music and culture.

Their performances have symbolised resilience and hope for the communities visited and for the performers themselves.

Artistic Director of the Black Arm Band, Steven Richardson thanked The Foundation for enabling The Black Arm Band to do important social and health work in communities all across the country.

"We are not a racially segregated organisation, but a united one where blackfellas and whitefellas work together in a spirit of reconciliation and a model for good race relations, doing important social and health related work in remote communities and presenting the music of the Indigenous Australian experience across the world," Richardson said.

The Sidney Myer Award is presented annually and decided by a national Judging Committee. It exists to enhance the status of performing arts in Australia and recognise outstanding achievements in dance, comedy, music, opera, circus and puppetry.

While past achievement is recognised, consideration is also given to the potential of an individual or group to continue their contribution to Australian society through the performing arts into the future.

The Foundation would like to congratulate The Black Arm Band and all of the team at Arts House and look forward to building on our proud partnership.