WAGGA'S indigenous community is in mourning following the death of Deadly Awards founder Gavin Jones on Saturday.
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For 20 years the Deadly Awards had celebrated the pinnacle in indigenous achievement across a range of categories, including sport, music, community service and the media.
But last month the company which runs the awards, Vibe Australia, had hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal government funding taken away.
The funding cuts ultimately forced it to cancel this year's awards.
For Wagga boxing and rugby league star Joe Williams, the death of Mr Jones has been heartbreaking.
"You can't speak of how big the dynasty he's left behind is," he said.
"I'm in total shock and have been for a couple of days."
Mr Jones was a father figure in Mr Williams' life and that of his ex-wife and children and an inspiration for many in the indigenous community.
Having been nominated for this year's Deadly Awards, Mr Williams had been eager to catch up with his old friend.
He said the contribution Mr Jones had made to indigenous society could not be understated.
"The contribution he's made to Aboriginal health throughout the last 20-odd years, he's indirectly touched the lives of close to every Aboriginal person in Australia," Mr Williams said.
"It's left a huge hole in everyone's hearts."
Mr Jones has also been a mentor to aspiring Wagga singer/songwriter Nathan Lamont, who recalls being given one of his first big breaks at the Deadly Awards.
Five years ago, Mr Lamont met Mr Jones at the Deadlys and the encounter eventually led to the singer having the chance to perform at the awards.
"He was a really great guy and he got us the opportunity to perform there," Mr Lamont said.
"My initial thoughts of him was he was an inspiring man."
