These are just some of the outstanding and diverse range of individuals whose photographs are now on display at Tamworth's Ray Walsh House for the second annual Dhuurranmay-Gal Dhirrabuu (Outstanding Leaders) NAIDOC Photography Exhibition.

Launched last year, the display of stunning images captured by local photographer Danny Dalton recognises the unsung heroes working quietly behind the scenes on a range of issues affecting the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander community.

Tamworth NAIDOC commitee member Kaliela Thornton said the nominees, selected by the community, are outstanding leaders who are creating change, but don't often get noticed.

"We wanted to recognise those who are doing great things in community and are just going about it in their own humble way," she said.

"We have mental health advocates, people working within the schools and changing children's lives through participation, a foster carer who has fostered over 100 children in the community.

"An elder who has lived and worked in the community and advocated for change for aboriginal rights... a broad range of people."

The theme of the exhibition is the 2021 NAIDOC Week theme Heal Country, and is reflected through the way Danny Dalton has chosen to photograph each person in an outdoor environment.

"He's done an amazing job, he's taken the creative reins for this and wanted the photographs done outside in areas where people felt comfortable and connected to the theme of Heal Country," Ms Thornton said.

Among the nominees is director of Birrelee M.A.C.S. Child Care Centre in Tamworth Rachael Phillips who has worked in early childhood for almost 14 years.

She started untrained, with no qualifications or experience, but has since become the driving force behind the local Aboriginal long day care service, following in the footsteps of her mother Carolyn (Jody) Craigie, who was also nominated as a leader for the exhibition.

"I did my early childhood bachelor of teaching degree and I've been director now since 2015," she said.

"We have 58 children a year go through Birrelee, and 20 graduate every year going into Kindergarten.

"Being in the early years of education and giving them the cultural confidence I think is what stands out, and being a not-for-profit everything goes back into the service, the children and families."

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Her mother has been a leader in local primary education for three generations, working at Peel High School, Hillvue Public School as an Aboriginal officer and also been on the board of Birrelee M.A.C.S.

Nominated for her work in education, correctional services, community development and aboriginal homelessness is Sara Byrnes, who's daughter Georgia Byrnes - Year 12 student and school captain at Oxley High School - was also nominated for her leadership and volunteer work with the local girl's academy.

And, selected for her work ensuring Aboriginal people are represented in the criminal justice system is Bianca Mcpherson, who works for the Aboriginal Legal Service.

"It's a great honour, a surprise but an honour nontheless, so many wonderful people in the community were nominated so to be put up in ranks with those types of people is amazing," she told the Leader.

The exhibition officially opened on Wednesday, and the public can view all the photographs and read about the many more amazing achievements by visiting Ray Walsh House before July 28.

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