Atahila, who turns 18 in May, was given a civic reception on Friday night and named Orange City Council’s youth of the month in recognition for her many musical and cultural achievements.

“It was such a privilege for me to have a civic reception and I just want to thank everyone who came on Friday because without my friends, family, the school and people in the community I wouldn’t be where I am,” she said.

“I think singing [in Wiradjuri] is another way of bringing back my culture and modernising it.

Atahila said she was  often told her voice was  unique, and she hoped to make a career out of performing.

“I’m never going to give it up,” she said.

VIDEO: Atahlia Sutherland singing at Friday night's reception:

“I’m just going to keep going and see what happens.”

Deputy mayor Chris Gryllis said the Orange community “can be proud of Atahlia’s outstanding achievements in the field of the performing arts”.

“Students from schools in Orange have been a part of the School Spectacular performances for many years, but for Atahlia to be chosen for one the few solo roles [last year] is a credit to the high quality of her singing ability,” Cr Gryllis said.

“She’ll be inspiring the next round of young children to imagine how they could follow in her footsteps.” 

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au