BASKETBALL great Lauren Jackson has been honoured at a Sydney Opera House ceremony for her sporting deeds while representing Australia on the world stage.
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The Albury talent was bestowed with the sport prize at the Advance Global Australian Awards on Monday night.
They recognise the feats of Australians who have done remarkably while living overseas or after returning from abroad.
Jackson, who could not attend the prize-giving because of knee injury treatment, was thrilled by the laurel.
"I'm really honoured and feel very proud," Jackson said.
"Coming from Australia and being able to represent Australia on so many different levels and in some many different countries...I've had a fantastic career and feel humbled to be able to represent Australia."
Jackson has played for Australia in four Olympic Games, represented the Seattle Storm in the American WNBA and competed for clubs in Russia, Spain, China and South Korea.
Her parents Gary and Maree accepted the Advance award on their daughter's behalf at the event which included a speech by golf champion Greg Norman.
Other prizes honoured those in manufacturing, financial services, social impact, sport, commercial creatives, life sciences, food and agriculture, clean technology and technology innovation.
Judges included chef Maggie Beer, fashion designer Carla Zampatti, actor Deborra-lee Furness and former worldwide creative director of advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi Bob Isherwood.
Jackson, who recorded a video thanks for the award, said her message centred on her love of Australia.
"I'm just so fortunate and lucky to come from a country like Australia," she said.
"There are some issues we are behind on when it comes to Western societies, but I think Australia is the best country in the world.
"What we do on a global stage in sport and arts is amazing, it's a tribute to the people and culture we have."
Advance was founded in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US as part of an effort to connect expatriates.
It has more than 25,000 members in 90 countries.
The organisation aims to empower Australians to succeed in the world, assist in building companies globally and be a ‘brain resource’ for Australia.
