NORTHERN TERRITORY
Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards
2026 Finalists
Meet our 2026 Finalists, across the 12 categories; below is a profile on each.
Aurizon Indigenous Achievement Award
Briseis Brittain of Ramingining & Maningrida is an outstanding Indigenous para-athlete, emerging as one of Australia’s most promising talents in 2025. Classified in the T38 category, Briseis is ranked world number one in the U20 200m and 400m. Represented Australia at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi. A 2025 National Junior Champion, member of Darwin Athletics Club and NT Sports Academy Para Futures Program. She has overcome significant geographical and physical barriers to emerge as a strong candidate for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2028 Paralympic hopeful. Briseis is a powerful role model, using her platform to promote physical wellbeing and self-worth among her peers.
Georgie Burarrawanga-Wilson of Wanguri is inspiring the next generation through creativity and connection. Georgie is a proud Yolngu man, creative artist, and dedicated youth leader. Through his work with Red Dust Role Models and Pathfinders NT, Georgie uses music, sport, and storytelling to mentor young people in remote communities, helping them build confidence and explore their cultural identity. A talented musician and producer, he draws inspiration from the legacy of his late father, George Rrurrambu Burarrawanga, to create safe spaces for creative expression. Georgie is currently studying a Diploma in Community Services. He combines professional skills with lived experience to support First Nations youth facing disadvantage.
Patrik Ralph of Karama is a young Indigenous leader and the youngest person ever elected to the City of Darwin Council. Elected at 22 to represent Waters Ward, Patrik was unanimously appointed Deputy Lord Mayor by 12 other Elected Members. He served as Acting Lord Mayor, overseeing civic responsibilities and crisis response. One of only a small number of First Nations Councillors in the city’s history, Patrik is strengthening youth and Indigenous representation in local government. Beyond Council, he works as a Special Education Support Assistant at Parap Primary School and mentors emerging leaders in empowerment and civics through the NT Youth Roundtable and Youth Parliament. His leadership challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusion.
Shauna Moore of Mutitjulu is committed to strengthening mental health and cultural identity among young people. Shauna is a passionate First Nations youth worker. Working in Mutitjulu and previously Alice Springs, she provides safe, culturally grounded spaces where youth can explore identity, build resilience, and seek support without stigma. Drawing on lived experience and deep cultural connection, Shauna integrates healing through culture, Country, and community into her approach. She has contributed to shifting attitudes around mental health, encouraging open conversations and help-seeking behaviours in communities where stigma has long existed. Despite limited remote resources, she is empowering individuals and fostering stronger, more confident communities.
Charles Darwin University International Student Award
Gilbert Tanoto of Darwin City advocates for cultural inclusion and empowering young people. Gilbert is a Bachelor of IT student at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and the Vice President of the CDU Student Council. An Academic Excellence Award recipient, he has earned recognition through the NT Digital Excellence Award and multiple innovation challenges, including GovHack and the CDU IT Code Fair. Gilbert applies his skills to real-world solutions while serving on the NT Youth Round Table and NT Youth Parliament. He is a STEM Engagement Officer at Radicle Centre, Study NT Ambassador, President of Indonesian Student Association NT and 2025 Winner of Study NT International Student of the Year.
Hriday Nayyar of Larrakeyah is a passionate advocate for young people and the challenges they face in education, employment, and community life. A Bachelor of Education (Secondary) student at Charles Darwin University, specialising in Economics and Mathematics, he maintains an exceptional GPA of 6 while dedicating over 250 volunteering hours with community organisations to make a positive change. Hriday led the Darwin Community Expo to connect youth with opportunities and services, and he is the published author of Life Chronicles, amplifying voices of international students. As a Youth Parliamentarian, he champions inclusion, leadership, and real pathways for young people to thrive and lead change.
Nithya Romeshika Yamasinghe of Casuarina is passionate about “Tech for Good.” Nithya is a Master of Information Technology (Software Engineering) graduate from Charles Darwin University (CDU), graduating with an exceptional GPA. Her Master’s research focused on developing a language-agnostic mobile application to help preserve endangered Indigenous languages. Nithya received the CDU CodeFair Overall Award at the NT Digital Excellence Awards and earned Honourable Mentions at GovHack 2024 for innovative public safety and tourism solutions. She was a Study NT International Student of the Year finalist. She was President of the Women’s Collective for Innovation and Change and Vice President of the IT Students Association.
Preeti of Darwin is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and sustainable engineering. An international student at Charles Darwin University, she has completed her Master of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, specialising in hydrogen-based renewable energy systems. Her research supports the NT Renewable Hydrogen Strategy, strengthening sustainable energy outcomes. Building on her research, Preeti now contributes as a Graduate Electrical Engineer at GHD, advancing local infrastructure and renewable integration. Beyond academia, she is a student leader and Women’s Officer for the CDU Student Council, Engineers Australia Student Ambassador of the Year, and serves on the Young Engineers Australia Leadership Committee, leading initiatives including the Women’s Spotlight Series.
Somerville Promoting Disability Rights and Inclusion Award
Mariah Chick of Rosebery is a committed disability rights advocate and emerging leader. In her role at Company Therapy Centre, she designs and delivers specialised programs supporting children with disabilities. At Combat Therapy Centre, Mariah has contributed to culturally aligned wellbeing programs in remote Aboriginal communities. Through PathFinders NT, Mariah supports at-risk youth to access services, build personal capability, and advocates for strengthened community supports. Within United NT Disability Services, she provides support for independent living settings and consistently champions the right to choice and self-determination. Following a significant neurological injury, Mariah demonstrates extraordinary resilience. She is working towards a degree in social work.
Romone Lewin of Karama is an accomplished para-athlete and community advocate. Romone transformed a devastating brain injury into a platform for inclusion and hope. After spending a year in hospital relearning to walk, talk and live independently, he returned to competitive athletics, representing the NT and Australia and winning bronze in Para Long Jump at the 2023 Oceania Championships. Romone trains year-round and mentors emerging athletes as a dedicated member of Athletics NT and Darwin Athletics Club. Beyond sport, he volunteers as a motivational speaker, sharing his story through schools and national media to promote disability pride, resilience, and self-belief, particularly among young Indigenous Territorians.
Thomas Owens of Berrimah is dedicated to expanding accessible sport. Thomas is an emerging para-athlete and disability inclusion advocate living with Cerebral Palsy. He competes in frame running, seated club throw, and Wheelchair AFL. He has represented the NT nationally for three consecutive years and serves as Vice Captain in 2025. A multiple medallist at state and interstate championships, Thomas has achieved first-place finishes in club throw and sprint events and led the Darwin Buffaloes Wheelchair Football team to its first Grand Final as captain. He also volunteers as an assistant coach, supports inclusive “come and try” days, and mentors young athletes with and without a disability.
Tristan Toll of Woodroffe champions equal opportunity employment. At just 20, Tristan is an entrepreneur and the Operations Manager of KB Toll Industries, a Northern Territory lawn and garden business delivering NDIS services while employing a neurodiverse workforce. He ensures staff receive award wages and full entitlements. Tristan has introduced innovative systems to strengthen safety, efficiency, and service delivery, while creating meaningful pathways for young people, First Nations workers and people with disabilities. He is a keynote speaker for Autism NT and a panel contributor at community events. He is recognised with the Lord Mayoral Rising Star Award and a 2025 NT Inclusion Awards commendation.
FCD Health Young Achiever in Health Award
Abbey Van Someren of Katherine is helping reduce stigma and rebuild trust in health services. Abbey is the Women’s Health Coordinator and Midwife at Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, where she delivers culturally safe care across nine remote NT communities. Since 2023, she has led transformative initiatives, including a regional Breast Screening Week, achieving 93% participation. Abbey strengthened antenatal and postnatal engagement, lifting early postnatal attendance from 30% to 98% within 12 months. She secured funding to develop Kriol-language FASD resources and co-designed education programs with Aboriginal Health Practitioners, integrating yarning circles and community-led approaches. In 2024, Abbey was named NT Midwife of the Year.
Joshua Harrington of Palmerston is committed to community health and emergency preparedness. Joshua has been a St John NT Youth Volunteer since 2019, contributing more than 600 service hours, including 190 hours in 2025 alone, providing first aid at major community events. As the inaugural Secretary of the St John NT Youth Round Table from 2024 to 2025 Joshua assisted in strategic planning, helping to strengthen recruitment and retention of young first-aiders. He mentors junior youth members, delivers inclusive, culturally aware training, and fosters confidence amongst volunteers. Joshua was named the 2025 Chief Minister’s Youth Volunteer of the Year. His leadership, professionalism, and dedication enhance community safety across the Darwin and Palmerston regions.
Peter Susanto of Rapid Creek is shaping evidence-based health policy and inspiring future leaders through research and advocacy. Peter is a young health leader and Doctor of Medicine student who has driven meaningful policy change in the Northern Territory. He successfully advocated for universal free oral health services for all NT residents aged 18 and under, removing previous school-enrolment barriers. Peter represents the Territory on national and global stages, including COP29 and major health leadership forums, advancing dialogue on climate change, mental health, and Indigenous health equity. He was named 2024 NT Young Australian of the Year and 2025 Darwin Young Citizen of the Year.
Raelene Collins is a Kuku Yalanji and Garrawirrtja woman, a health leader dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of First Nations peoples. Her work spans across laboratory science, health promotion, and public health research. An NT Training Awards Winner and NAIDOC Apprentice of the Year, she began her career at Menzies School of Health Research, contributing to microbiology trials in Child Health and Traditional Medicinal Plants, and leading HealthLab’s Youth Advisory Group. Currently completing a Bachelor of Public Health, she is a Chief Investigator in a rheumatic heart disease screening research project, where she co-chairs the projects Indigenous Advisory Group for culturally appropriate health education and training resources.
NT Government Excellence in Youth Leadership Award
Kaitlin Fitzpatrick of Katherine models values-driven leadership prioritising self-determination and human rights. Kaitlin is a social worker with direct, on-the-ground experience in Katherine. She is Chair of Katherine Women’s Information and Legal Service (KWILS), which delivers culturally safe legal and support services across the Big Rivers region. Through her roles at KWILS and NTCOSS, Kaitlin strengthens responses to domestic, family, and sexual violence through governance reform, policy advocacy, and inclusive leadership. With her Diploma of Governance, she has guided KWILS through challenges while fostering transparent, collaborative decision-making. As a woman with ADHD, she brings lived experience and community insight to drive meaningful systemic reform.
Patrik Ralph of Karama champions inclusive leadership. Making history in 2025, as the youngest ever elected to the City of Darwin Council. Demonstrating calm and capable leadership, he oversaw key civic responsibilities, including crisis response and ongoing recovery from Tropical Cyclone Fina. Patrik previously chaired the NT Youth Roundtable and continues to mentor others through workshops on civics, governance, and democratic participation. He works as a Special Education Support Assistant at Parap Primary School while completing a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and having graduated with a Diploma of Laws in 2025 at Charles Darwin University. Patrik empowers others through public service, education and the arts.
Peter Susanto of Rapid Creek is a dedicated community volunteer, advocate and leader. A frequently engaged public speaker, he inspires youth and encourages intergenerational collaboration. With his sister Eva, he has fundraised over $12,000 for different charities since 2015 selling their grandmother’s Indonesian food. In 2024, he led a successful campaign for free oral health services for all NT residents aged 18 and under. He also organised the 2025 Darwin Local Conference of Youth, the first ever in the NT. Currently, Peter serves as the NT’s 2025-2026 UNICEF Australia Young Ambassador, Medical Student Representative on the AMA NT Council, and on the Federal Government’s Sports Participation Youth Advisory Group.
Riley Page of Palmerston is a dedicated youth mentor who creates safe, structured environments where young people feel heard. Riley founded the MNM (Music ’N’ Media) Mentoring Program, delivering trauma-informed hip hop mentoring to high-risk young people across the Northern Territory. Beginning at Don Dale Youth Detention Centre in 2019, he spent over four years building the centre’s most trusted programs, using songwriting and music production to strengthen literacy, emotional regulation, and self-worth. Riley now works with flexible learning schools, community organisations, and NDIS providers across Darwin and Palmerston. His triple-layered model combines creative expression, behavioural support, and project ownership to re-engage disengaged youth.
NT Government Small Business Achievement Award
By Ash Brand Studio, founded by Ashleigh Farris (Ascoli) in 2024, is a Territory-based creative studio delivering strategic branding, websites and digital design for businesses, not-for-profits and government organisations. A neurodivergent entrepreneur and mother, Ashleigh brings over a decade of design experience and a deeply collaborative approach. The studio has grown nearly entirely through word of mouth, with over 80% returning clients. Ashleigh has delivered major projects for organisations including Autism NT, Department of Education, Skalliwagz Play Centre, Deadly Enterprises and City of Palmerston; helping community-focused organisations communicate their impact with clarity, accessibility and confidence while championing inclusive and purpose-driven business practices across the Northern Territory.
Courtney Jane Media strengthens community connection and cultural pride across the Northern Territory. Founded by Courtney McCabe, a proud First Nations woman, the business delivers photography, videography, graphic design and social media services to sporting organisations, community groups and small businesses. Courtney also serves as a Northern Territory Football League Competition Coordinator, supporting inclusive and well-managed community football. Through authentic storytelling, she amplifies Indigenous voices, young people and women. She played a key role in establishing the Darwin Salties basketball club and was recognised in 2025 with the Magnify Her NT Most Inspirational First Nations Woman Award.
Dreamnalot Studios of Darwin demonstrates that with innovation and global impact is achievable. Founded in 2022 by then 19-year-old self-taught entrepreneur Naathan Sharma, Dreamnalot Studios is a creative production and VFX company delivering cinematic storytelling for national and global brands, including the NFL, Samsung, Premier League, UEFA, and the NRL plus so many more. Alongside the studio, Naathan builds ventures with his brothers, including Dream Team Real Estate, which achieved over $100 million in sales in its first year, and Ociate, an AI-driven CRM platform for real estate. Committed to the Northern Territory, the studio actively supports youth through creative workshops, mentorship, and community initiatives.
Wired Wright Electrical Contracting of Winnellie is dedicated to driving business success and lasting community impact. Founded just two years ago by Sam Wright, Wired Wright Electrical Contracting is a Northern Territory electrical services provider, specialising in power and water and government projects. Sam’s technical expertise, determination, and hands-on leadership have built a company known for quality, reliability, and professionalism across complex and remote work. Besides delivering infrastructure, Sam invests deeply in people, mentoring young Territorians and promoting apprenticeships, accountability, and pride in the trade as well as supporting local clubs and organisations. He prioritises work-life balance for his team, leading by example while managing critical projects himself.
NT Government Young Aboriginal Educator Award
Elise Thornthwaite of Milikapiti is a proud Gamilaraay woman, committed to culturally responsive and respectful early childhood education. Elise is a pre-school teacher and Families as First Teachers (FaFT) Family Educator in Milikapiti. She designs innovative, play-based programs embedding Tiwi language, culture, and evidence-based literacy and numeracy strategies to strengthen school readiness. Elise introduced joint FaFT-preschool sessions, transition programs, a community street library, and family engagement initiatives, including Deadly Dads BBQs and health clinic outreach. Her leadership fosters strong partnerships with Elders and local organisations, ensuring learning reflects community identity and pride. Beyond the classroom, she coordinates wellbeing initiatives such as community yoga and the Happy Box Project.
Keara Baker-Storey of Tennant Creek is working to ensure children grow with a strong identity and cultural pride. A proud Warumungu/Wambaya woman, Keara is the Team Leader of Indi Kindi, leading a culturally grounded, on-Country early learning program. She helped establish the service, embedding local language, stories, and traditions into a “Walking Learning” model that integrates education, health and wellbeing. Keara has re-engaged families previously disconnected from services, increasing participation. Keara holds qualifications in early childhood, leadership, and project management. She contributes nationally as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative on the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership under Closing the Gap.
Kira Dandy of Kalkarindji is passionate about language preservation and community wellbeing. A proud Gurindji woman, Kira is a Cultural and Language Teacher for pre-school to Year 12. She blends cultural knowledge with contemporary pedagogy to create inclusive, culturally safe learning environments that empower Aboriginal students. With her calm leadership and strong cultural identity, Kira actively mentors peers and promotes Aboriginal perspectives in educational settings, strengthening cultural awareness among colleagues. Balancing study and motherhood, she demonstrates resilience, professionalism, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Kira is shaping a future where Indigenous knowledge and Western education are equally valued, inspiring future Aboriginal educators and leaders.
Tayha Duggan-Hill of Darwin has transformed learning in remote Arnhem Land through culturally responsive leadership. A proud Nyikina and Warumungu educator, Tayha taught in a bilingual “both-ways” setting at Maningrida College, where she integrated Indigenous knowledge, local language, and the national curriculum to strengthen identity, engagement, and academic outcomes. Her trauma-informed practice, strong community partnerships, and daily yarning circles created safe, inclusive classrooms where students thrived. Tayha is completing a Master of Education and holds dual degrees in Early Childhood and Primary Education. She continues to contribute to community wellbeing through Hoops4Health and cultural initiatives.
NT Government Young Carers Award
Christopher Sampson is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of those he supports. At just 17, Christopher provides over 40 hours per week of comprehensive support to his wheelchair-bound mother and grandfather living with advanced dementia. Managing personal care, mobility, medication, appointments, meal preparation, and community access, Christopher ensures their safety, dignity, and emotional wellbeing. Despite living with his own disabilities, he places the needs of others first, also advocating for frail elderly members of the wider community. He is actively involved with Carers NT and young carer advisory groups, pursues ongoing education, including First Aid, to strengthen his caregiving skills.
Elliot Smith of Moulden advocates greater awareness, compassion, and inclusion of young carers. Elliot provides approximately 35 hours of weekly support to his father living with Alzheimer’s disease. Balancing full-time schooling with significant caregiving responsibilities, he manages daily household tasks, medication monitoring, emotional regulation, and community engagement to ensure his father’s safety, dignity, and wellbeing. Making personal sacrifices, including reduced social activities, he demonstrates remarkable resilience and maturity, particularly during periods of agitation or crisis. Elliot has completed dementia education training and actively researches best-practice care strategies to better support his family. He is a member of the Young Carer Advisory Committee.
Eritabeta Teiannang of Malak demonstrates exceptional resilience, maturity, and selflessness. Eritabeta has provided dedicated support to her family since the age of nine. She delivered round-the-clock care to her mother following a spinal cord injury, managing personal care, medication, mobility, household responsibilities, and medical advocacy. Following her mother’s passing, Eritabeta now supports her father as he navigates grief and chronic health conditions, ensuring emotional stability. She balances 30 to 50 hours of unpaid care each week with her schooling and part-time employment. A traditional dancer and mentor to other young people, Eritabeta also contributes to her community through cultural connection and positive role modelling.
Terrun Maher of Moil shows maturity and resilience. 16-year-old Terrun provides up to 40 hours of unpaid support each week to his brother living with complex disabilities, including 6p deletion syndrome, Autism, and hearing impairment. Balancing school with significant responsibility, he assists with daily living tasks, communication, emotional regulation, financial skills, and community inclusion. Terrun has played a pivotal role in building his brother’s confidence through shared interests such as gaming, Krav Maga, and search and rescue dog training. He even trained his brother’s assistance dog during recovery from major surgery. Terrun manages his own Autism and ADHD while significantly improving his brother’s wellbeing.
McDonalds NT Career Achievement Award
Anastasi Kambourakis of Howard Springs advocates for sustainable economic growth in the Northern Territory. Over the past 11 years, he has progressed from a hands-on operator to a senior executive in the construction and extractive industries. He helped expand DCT Australia’s Contractor Accreditation Limit from $3 million to $50 million, delivering over $70 million in civil and community infrastructure projects. Anastasi also helped establish Li Wunungu with the Gurdanji, Yanyuwa, Mara, and Garrawa families to create culturally aligned economic opportunities, including the acquisition of the Savannah Way Motel. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Extractive Industry Association NT and a Board Member of the Civil Contractors Federation NT.
Ashleigh Farris (Ascoli) of Durack is shaping how organisations across the Northern Territory communicate their impact through purposeful, accessible design. Ashleigh is the Founder and Creative Director of By Ash Brand Studio, a boutique branding and website design studio launched in 2024. A third-generation Territorian and neurodivergent creative, Ashleigh identified a gap for strategic, personalised and locally delivered design services. Her referral-driven studio now generates over $90,000 annual profit while operating part-time. Ashleigh has led major branding and publication projects for organisations including the Department of Education, Autism NT, Skalliwagz Play Centre and Deadly Enterprises, helping community organisations and NFP’s strengthen connection, representation and opportunity across the Territory.
Elizabeth Taylor of Alice Springs, Executive Manager of Community Safety and Youth Services at MacDonnell Regional Council, and mother of two. Exemplifies resilience, integrity and community-focused leadership. After just six years, she moved from an administrative role to executive leadership. Beginning her career through a school-based apprenticeship, she has completed a Double Diploma in Community Services and Local Government while advancing rapidly through coordinator and management roles. Libby leads a highly diverse workforce, 90% Indigenous, fostering inclusive, values-led leadership built on trust and accountability. Her award-winning initiatives include Healthy Community Events, a region-wide NAIDOC art competition, and a six-week school holiday program spanning nine remote communities.
Ella Day of Bakewell is dedicated to delivering high-quality disability services in complex and geographically dispersed settings. She is the Senior Compliance Manager at Balanced Coordination Support Services, an Indigenous-owned organisation supporting more than 150 participants across 25 remote Northern Territory communities. At just 21, she leads compliance, workforce coordination, NDIS resource allocation, risk management and staff development for more than 40 employees. While working full-time, Ella completed her first university degree at Charles Darwin University last year and is now completing a second. She also serves as Director and Secretary of Athletics Northern Territory and has contributed more than 200 volunteer hours with numerous sport clubs and organisations.
Zip Print Sport Award
Andy Bhardwaj of Parap is strengthening tennis pathways, representation and community wellbeing across the Northern Territory. The NT’s Men’s Open No.1 and Head Coach at Darwin International Tennis Centre, he has built a coaching program engaging more than 200 junior athletes since moving to Australia at 18. He established Darwin’s first Blind Tennis program, earning Tennis NT Inclusion Initiative of the Year. He serves as NT State Coach for the Bruce Cup Under-12 team. Through regional outreach, he continues expanding access to tennis across the Territory.
Mariama Little of Moulden champions female participation and representation. Mariama is a promising young rugby athlete, excelling across both rugby union and rugby league at state and national levels. A multi-award-winning forward, she has captained Northern Territory representative teams, earned top try-scorer honours, and received multiple Best Forward and Players’ Player awards. In 2025, she vice-captained the NT at the U18 Australian Schoolgirls 7s and trained with the Super W Western Force. Balancing elite sport with senior studies at SEDA College NT, she received the 2024 VET Excellence Award. Mariama works three jobs to self-fund her development. She also mentors younger girls in rugby.
Taleisha Kirk of Herbert is a rising athlete and WAKO-certified kickboxing and Muay Thai coach, who has represented Australia internationally at the Junior World Championships in Italy in 2022 and the WAKO World Cup in Hungary in 2025. She has competed at the Oceania Championships, achieving notable victories. Taleisha also coaches at her local gym, fostering confidence, discipline, and healthy lifestyles for participants of all ages. She contributes to youth engagement through programs like The One Percent Program and served as a 2024 NT Youth Round Table member. Her achievements earned her the Nak Muay Award, People’s Choice Award, and NT Young Achiever finalist recognition.
Thomas Owens of Berrimah is a dedicated Paralympic hopeful. Thomas excels in athletics, specifically, in frame running and club throws, and wheelchair football. As captain of the Darwin Buffaloes, he led the team to its first Grand Final and has represented the NT nationally for three consecutive years, earning Vice Captain honours in 2025. Thomas has achieved multiple state and national podium finishes, including first-place victories in Club Throw and frame running events. Despite living with Cerebral Palsy, he overcomes physical and social barriers with determination, resilience, and a commitment to inspire others. He mentors young athletes and volunteers at local schools and athletics programs.
Glencore McArthur River Mining Regional and Rural Initiative Award
Isobel Heffernan of Daly Waters is dedicated to advancing sustainability, resilience, and community development in the pastoral sector. Isobel is an agribusiness professional based at Cooee Hills. She has led industry initiatives including the NT Pastoral Data Survey, workshops on carbon neutrality and climate adaptation, and contributions to national research and policy. Isobel is a Nuffield Australia Drought Resilience Scholar, where she investigates community-led climate strategies abroad to apply locally, strengthening the capacity of NT grazing communities. She champions rural development, amplifies women’s voices in agriculture, and supports grassroots initiatives, such as the Daly Waters Campdraft & Rodeo, NTCA Ladies Lunch, and the Young Live Export Network.
Jeremy Johnson of Katherine is a passionate youth leader and Indigenous advocate from the Big Rivers region. Jeremy works full-time with the Katherine West Health Board in Tackling Indigenous Smoking. He contributes to policy development, community engagement, and youth programs that address employment, education, and disengagement challenges. Jeremy has participated in the NT Youth Roundtable, ABC Heywire, National Leadership Forum, and other leadership initiatives. He also serves on advisory boards for Katherine Justice Reinvestment and NT Youth Week. Overcoming personal loss and breaking cycles of disadvantage, Jeremy inspires others to pursue opportunities, demonstrating resilience, initiative, and commitment to strengthening youth leadership and community wellbeing.
Shanita Yunupingu of Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation is a proud Yolŋu leader committed to protecting Country and culture. As Team Leader of the Miyalk Rangers, she oversees marine turtle conservation, compliance patrols, and supports the development of women rangers. She pioneered turtle nest shelters made from recovered waste and ghost nets to improve hatchling survival. Shanita mentors emerging Rangers and advocates nationally for fair wages and recognition for Indigenous Rangers. She has also represented her community internationally, including at the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva, and continues to be a strong voice for Country.
Zoe Walters of Alice Springs fosters cultural awareness, bridges understanding across diverse audiences, and inspires the next generation of First Nations leaders. A proud Anmatyerre woman, Zoe is an actor, has previously worked as a Training Advisor and now is a Cancer Support Officer at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress. She has delivered culturally appropriate training to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff, has facilitated youth conferences, and now supports aboriginal patients through their journey with cancer. Zoe’s acting career, including roles in documentary Off Country and stage play The Visitors, amplifies indigenous voices nationally and internationally through storytelling, combining creativity and advocacy.
GTNT Group Outstanding Apprentice or Trainee Award
Cody Hodgins of Alice Springs is a passionate and adaptable heavy diesel mechanic apprentice. Transitioning from an electrical apprenticeship to pursue his true passion, Cody quickly excelled, completing his Certificate III and acting as workshop supervisor, guiding colleagues and managing operations. His commitment goes beyond the workshop; he actively volunteers in the Central Australian motorsport community, coordinating events, maintaining tracks, and mentoring others, earning multiple volunteer awards. Balancing rigorous apprenticeship training with trade school and personally undertaking a full home renovation, Cody demonstrates remarkable resilience, discipline, and work ethic. His notable achievements include winning the Master Builders NT Excellence Award and the GTNT Outstanding Apprentice accolades.
David Thornley of East Arm is a committed and resilient electrical apprentice. David works at NC Electrical & Air-conditioning Pty Ltd, where he is recognised for exceptional initiative, problem-solving, and leadership. Excelling across domestic, commercial, and industrial projects, he applies technical knowledge confidently, supports colleagues, and mentors newer apprentices. David proactively identifies solutions that improve safety and efficiency, demonstrating professionalism and a strong work ethic. Beyond the workplace, he volunteers on his family farm, assists community projects, and engages in industry workshops, trade shows, and sustainability initiatives. Balancing demanding work with training requirements, David’s curiosity, passion for electrical work, and dedication have driven his rapid development.
Evie Rushforth of Groote Eylandt is an accomplished mechanical trades professional. Evie began her career in law before discovering her passion for hands-on problem-solving. Completing her Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade through GTNT Group, she excelled in a male-dominated mining environment. In 2025, she earned top honours including NT Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year and Australian Apprentice of the Year. Known for her technical ability, leadership, and mentoring of other apprentices, Evie actively advocates for women and career-changers in trades. She speaks publicly about apprenticeships, mental health, and career pathways, using her experiences to challenge stereotypes, encourage vocational education, and support the next generation.
Madi Hohn of Katherine is a skilled sheet metal fabricator. Madi transformed a casual role in their family’s business into a thriving career. They completed a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade through GTNT/CDU and developed expertise in welding, CNC cutting, and metalwork. With their hard work, they were recognized as a finalist for the 2025 Austin Asche Apprentice of the Year. Beyond technical excellence, Madi mentors apprentices, creates award-winning metal sculptures, and contributes to community initiatives, including serving as President and Treasurer of the Katherine Crocs AFL Club. Known for creativity, leadership, and resilience, Madi combines craftsmanship with community service.
Check out the 2026 Finalist announcement: