NORTHERN TERRITORY

Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards

2026 Winners

All Winners on stage with The Hon. Jinson Charls MLA and Xy, HOT 100

 

2026 Northern Territory Young Achiever of The Year - Peter Susanto

The Hon. Jinson Charls MLA (left) and Winner Peter Susanto (right)

 

NT Government Young Carer's Award

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.

Winner, Terrun Maher (right) and The Honourable Gerard Maley MLA, Acting Chief Minister of the Northern Territory; representing the Honourable Lia Finocchiaro, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory (left)

 

Charles Darwin University International Student Award

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.

Professor Fiona Coulson, Acting Vice-Chancellor, Charles Darwin University (left) and Winner, Nithya Romeshika Yamasinghe (right)

 

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.

Winner, Elise Thornthwaite (left) and The Honourable Jo Hersey MLA, Minister for Education and Training; Early Education; Public Service (right)

 

FCD Health Young Achiever in Health Award

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.

Madeleine Polson, Executive Officer, FCD Health (left) and Winner, Peter Susanto (right)

 

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.

Winner, Mariah Chick (right) and Natasha Fyles, Chief Executive Officer, Somerville (left)

 

NT Government Small Business Achievement Award

Sam Wright - 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.

The Honourable Robyn Cahill OAM MLA, Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations (left) and Winner, Sam Wright (right)

 

GTNT Group Outstanding Apprentice or Trainee Award

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.

Josie Trayte, Marketing Manager & Senior Executive Assistant, GTNT Group (left) and Winner, Madi Hohn (left)

 

NT Government Excellence in Youth Leadership Award

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.

The Honourable Jinson Anto Charls MLA, Minister for People, Sport and Culture; Disability; Arts; Youth, Seniors and Equality; Multicultural Affairs; Veterans (left) and Winner, Riley Page (right)

 

McDonalds NT Career Achievement Award

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.

Vicki-Leigh Lettice, Owner/Operator, McDonalds (left) and Winner representative, Belinda (right) - Elizabeth Taylor (onscreen)

 

Zip Print Sport Award

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.

Jodie Zanini, Para Pathways Manager, Northern Territory Sports Academy (right) and Winner, Taleisha Kirk (left)

 

Aurizon Indigenous Achievement Award

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.

Matthew Jones, General Manager Bulk Central, Aurizon (left) and Winner, Patrik Ralph (right)

 

Glencore McArthur River Mining Regional and Rural Initiative Award

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.

Amanda Smith, Communities and Social Performance Superintendent, McArthur River Mining (left) and Winner, Shanita Yunupingu (right)