Darwin’s disability and inclusion champions celebrated at Lord Mayoral Awards

Darwin’s Lord Mayoral Awards have recognised four champions driving disability inclusion across the city, from a young advocate on national committees to an accessible arts studio.

Lynne Strathie, a member of the City of Darwin’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee and a community volunteer, was awarded the Champion Award in the Darwin Lord Mayoral Awards. Picture: Helen Orr

City of Darwin has announced the annual Lord Mayoral Award winners, which celebrate the people and community groups driving positive change in accessibility, inclusion and advocacy across the municipality.

The award winners were announced at the DiversAbility Fun Day last week, a free celebration on International Day of People with Disability.

Ben Hankin, a young leader driving meaningful change for people with disability through his lived experiences champions inclusion, accessible information and people’s rights, was awarded the Rising Star Award in the Darwin Lord Mayoral Awards. Picture: Helen Orr

Ben Hankin, a young leader driving meaningful change for people with disability through his lived experiences champions inclusion, accessible information and people’s rights, was awarded the Rising Star Award.

Through his work on the NT Disability Advisory Committee and national discussions, he advocates for fair pay, open employment and inclusive decision-making.

Lynne Strathie, a member of the City of Darwin’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee and a community volunteer, was awarded the Champion Award.

She has spent more than 20 years championing inclusion and accessibility in Darwin, and has made a lasting impact on equality, dignity, and opportunities for people with disability.

The Access & Inclusion Team at Charles Darwin University (CDU) have been awarded the Accessibility Innovator Award in the Darwin Lord Mayoral Awards. Picture: Helen Orr

The Access & Inclusion Team at Charles Darwin University (CDU) was awarded the Accessibility Innovator Award.

Supporting students with disabilities and mental health conditions, the team has created a more inclusive and accessible student experience.

The Free Space Studio, run by Arts Access Darwin, was awarded the Community Impact Award in the Darwin Lord Mayoral Awards, 2025. Picture: Helen Orr

The Free Space Studio, run by Arts Access Darwin, was awarded the Community Impact Award.

The studio is Darwin’s only accessible visual arts studio for artists with disability by providing studio space, skills development, mentorship, exhibition opportunities, and access to funding and paid projects.

Darwin Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the awards honoured the people and groups who worked on the shared responsibility to create a city where everyone can belong.

“This year we’re proud to open the awards to include advocates and teams because inclusion is something we all have a role in supporting, it’s something we build together,” he said.

According to a City of Darwin media release, the Lord Mayoral Awards formed an important part of the council’s vision to build a community “where people of all abilities are supported to participate, connect and thrive”.

Originally published as Darwin’s disability and inclusion champions celebrated at Lord Mayoral Awards