A history of the Roper River Mission, now known as Ngukurr, and its most famous leader the Reverend Canon Michael Gumbuli AM, has been named Australian Christian Book of the Year.

At the Australian Christian Literature Awards in Melbourne, Gumbuli of Ngukurr  by Murray Seiffert (published by Acorn Press) won the title from over forty entries.

The Australian Christian Book of the Year Award recognises and celebrates excellence in Australian Christian writing and carries a prize of $2,500.

"Few indigenous Australians have been the subject of so rigorous a biography. This is a unique and timely contribution to the story of Aboriginal engagement with western culture and Christianity." said the judges of this year's award.

"This singular story of indigenous protagonism, self-determination and leadership in the face of overwhelming obstacles—hostile opposition, blind ignorance and numbing indifference—maps a way forward for the peoples of this continent" the judges said.

In second place, A Short History of Christianity by Australia's most accomplished historians, Geoffrey Blainey.

The full list of awards can be found on the awards site.