The elders formed a choir named Babilgunhanha buddhu (singing star)s and trained almost 50 hours over five weeks in the lead up to the ceremony.

TAFE Western Yarradamarra Centre choir teacher Michael Donovan said he was proud of the group's performances.

"As your choir teacher, I want to say thank you for your efforts," he said.

Neita Scott said the choir gave her a new lease on life and she did not expect to be studying in TAFE.

"As elders we learnt we are never too old to learn or to form a choir," she said.

Uncle John Hill senior said being part of the choir was one of his greatest achievements in life.

He jokingly said it took him 85 years to be a choir singer and he loved every moment of it.

The choir unanimously agreed singing with country musician Troy Cassar-Daley was the highlight of the night.

Mr Donovan said one of the challenges the choir faced was two weeks before the awards ceremony the songs they learnt had changed.

"We were told we were performing this new song at the opening ceremony and it wasn't easy to learn but we pulled it off," he said.

Director Aboriginal Education and Training NSW Michelle Hall congratulated the elders for their performances at the awards ceremony.

"The elders were chosen not only because of their contributions over the years in one way or another to education and training but as an acknowledgement and celebration of their personal dedication and commitment to their own education and training," she said.

TAFE Western Aboriginal Education and Training manger Rod Towney encouraged more Aboriginal elders in Dubbo to join the choir.

Mr Towney said elders should contact head teacher at the Yarradamarra Centre Connie Ah See for more information and to join.

abanob.saad@ruralpress.com