Look and listen, learn and share.

Those were the reflections of elder Robert Clegg when he was recognised with a lifetime achievement award at the Parkes community NAIDOC celebrations.

Mr Clegg was honoured for a lifetime of commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities at a local as well as broader level.

'Since being a young boy Rob has engaged with culture and has used the knowledge for the benefit of community," Micheal Anderson said in making the announcement.

"Rob moved from Parkes region for many years, helping the State and Federal government engage with Aboriginal communities.

"Since retiring and moving back to the region he has helped community by many projects."

He's a member of the Wiradjuri Council of Elders, Parkes Mines Wiradjuri executive of elders, Parkes Shire Council advisory group and Parkes NAIDOC advisory group.

Designing the hospital's artwork, working with PCYC, Paint the Town REaD and CSU's Three Rivers Program, Mr Clegg has demonstrated his commitment to help the next generation of Indigenous and non-Indigenous be aware of the culture over many years.

Mr Clegg, who had been presenting awards to others through the morning, encouraged everyone to look and listen to what's happening around them.

To learn and then to share that knowledge.

"You all do it," he said.

"We all look, we all listen, we all learn and we all teach.

"And that brings out one word - Yindyamarra (respect) - you become not just friends, not just a community, but family."