NORTHERN TERRITORY

Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards

The 2023 Northern Territory Young Achiever Award Winners

Overall Winner - 2023 Northern Territory Young Achiever of the Year

Leela Kruger believes young Aboriginal people need and deserve quality education. In 2021, Leela applied for and won the role of School Based Engagement Officer at Gillen Primary School, a school with historically declining attendance. Leela built a strong understanding of the community, barriers to engagement and links between families. Leela’s calm, consistent and culturally safe support helped students become happy regular attendees.

Leela Kruger with Alice Springs Mayor, Matt Paterson

 

Spirit Super Connecting Communities Award

The GG Social Club is breaking down the negative stigma that gaming and youth has. A Charles Darwin University student-affiliated group, they engage youth and the community through good gaming practices. Since its development, the Club has supported charities with their activities, raising over $2,000. They also support local businesses through sponsorship partnerships and work with government organisations to bring free events to their community.

 

NT Government Young Carers Award

Uxel Mason cares for his brothers and father with varying needs. Uxel’s brother, Igen, has severe autism, while his other brother, Omri, has high-functioning autism. Uxel also assists his father who suffered an injury that reduced his ability to use his right arm and leg. He is very committed and has been involved in activities catered primarily for his brothers’ development.

 

Glencore McArthur River Mining Regional and Rural Initiative Award

Bradley Hector is helping increase employment outcomes for young Indigenous people. Bradley works as a station hand at Brunette Downs Station. Through his employment with the Australian Agricultural Company, he is able to influence non-Indigenous workers by sharing cultural knowledge to improve respect. Bradley is also a participant and an ambassador for the Pastoral Real Jobs Program, which provides employment opportunities on pastoral properties.

 

Zip Print Sport Award

Clarence (CJ) McCarthy-Grogan is showing that anything is possible. CJ is a member of the Australian Rollers Squad, the national wheelchair basketball team. He was a student-athlete who played for the University of Texas in Arlington, 3x United States Intercollegiate National Champion, 2022 National Champion, and a Finals MVP. CJ has done much work with Darwin Basketball Association, Basketball NT, and Disability Sports NT.

 

McDonalds NT Career Achievement Award

Sean Guy has been working at the Bookshop Darwin for over eleven years. In his time there, he has demonstrated creativity, innovation, and a genuine passion to support and engage with the community. In his career as an author/playwright, he has written four successful books, joined the Darwin Theatre Company board, and had plays performed around the country.

 

Colemans Contracting & Earthmoving Agriculture Award

Sarah Hain has helped improve farmers’ access to industry support, production techniques and best management practices by developing unique business and client development, and tropical production agronomy skillsets. Sarah was the first Industry Development Officer for the NT/WA region for the Australian Mango Industry Association and is now the agronomist for Cotton Grower Services across the Northern Territory.

 

Aurizon Indigenous Achievement Award

Jaylene Friel is helping improve youth access to health and social care. Jaylene is a proud Murrinh-Patha and Arrernte woman who works as a Youth Project Officer at Menzies. She was a co-lead at the 2021 Menzies Youth Health Summit, which sought to highlight key issues of young people. Jaylene has a Certificate II in Community Health Research and Certificate III in Business.

 

Minister for Youth Excellence in Youth Leadership Award

Izzy Craven is a dedicated youth advocate who has been volunteering for eight years. Izzy is a member of the Palmerston Local Drug and Action Team, where she created and managed “let’s talk about it”, an informational booklet that provided information on things like types of abuse, cyberbullying and understanding pronouns. She is currently a Headspace Ambassador and LAUNCH Media Team member.

 

NT Government Small Business Achievement Award

Ebony Anderson founded Ebony Rose Hair Design in 2019 with a holistic vision that goes beyond hairdressing. Her sustainable salon recycles products and donates to local women's shelters. Profits also go to sponsoring local non-profits like Paws Darwin and Palmerston Women's AFL team, as well as supporting four children in Uganda. Ebony's positive impact has been felt both locally and globally.

 

Somerville Community Service Award

Amy James is a proud Warumungu women, living with cerebral palsy, investing her huge heart and endless enthusiasm in connecting people, changing perspectives and making the Barkly better for all. As an advocate, educator and lobbyist Amy is ‘Famous’ for her big personality and literally leading the parade. Amy’s ‘quieter’ contributions include Women With Disability Australia and the NT Disability Advisory Committee.

 

NT Government Young Aboriginal Educator Award

Leela Kruger believes young Aboriginal people need and deserve quality education. In 2021, Leela applied for and won the role of School Based Engagement Officer at Gillen Primary School, a school with historically declining attendance. Leela built a strong understanding of the community, barriers to engagement and links between families. Leela’s calm, consistent and culturally safe support helped students become happy regular attendees.

 

Mindil Beach Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Award

Jarrod Everett puts his heart and soul into his food, job and industry. Jarrod started at Berry Springs Tavern as a casual dishwasher six years ago. He has since completed his Chef Apprenticeship and has become a valuable Sous Chef. Jarrod has competed in the AFC Apprentice of the Year Competition and the World Skills culinary competition, where he won multiple awards.

 

Charles Darwin University International Student Award

Yuqing (Crystal) Zhao is in her last year of Master of Teaching at CDU. She has had teaching placements in various schools, resulting in her improved communication skills, teaching competence and classroom management. Crystal volunteers for The Kindness Shake Inc., a not-for-profit that supports international students. In 2022, she was one of the key facilitators in delivering their International Student Days Out program.