Warning: This story contains the name and images of a deceased Indigenous person.

The first-ever Indigenous Australian woman to run for Sydney Lord Mayor has paid tribute to pioneering Indigenous actor David Dalaithngu.

Mr Dalaithngu has died at the age of 68 after a cancer diagnosis.

His career began as a teenager with 1971 film Walkabout, and also featured roles in Storm Boy, Rabbit-Proof Fence and Crocodile Dundee.

He was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 1987.

Independent Lord Mayoral candidate Yvonne Weldon told Ben Fordham “he was quite magical”.

“He certainly walked with his ancestors and they walk with him.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty/Don Arnold