Sally’s daughter accepted the award on her behalf from Malcolm Turnbull at the National Library of Australia in Canberra.
The City of Melville resident was recognised for her contribution to the nation’s cultural and intellectual life.
Winning entries were selected across six categories including fiction, poetry, non-fiction, Australian history, children’s and young adult literature.
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The winners were drawn from a shortlist of 30 exceptional books by some of Australia’s most well-regarded authors.
“It’s really important to me that we keep telling our stories, and that our stories are read by all Australians. I believe by sharing our stories and experiences, we make a positive difference,” she said.
Told from a child’s perspective, Sister Heart is the story of Annie – a young Aboriginal girl sent to an institution far from her family.
There, she slowly makes a new life for herself and, in the face of tragedy, finds strength in new friendships.