Vote now: NT News Woman of the Year finalists 2025 named
These 36 women who work, volunteer and live in regions across the Northern Territory were selected from almost 200 nominees for going above and beyond to make our community a better place. SEE THE LIST AND VOTE NOW.
Northern Territory
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From boundary-breaking women who have paved the way for generations to come in their fields, to those who go above and beyond to give back to the community, 36 inspirational Northern Territory women have been selected as finalists in the NT News Woman of the Year awards.
Now in its second year, the NT News Woman of the Year awards, brought to you by Charles Darwin University, again attracted close to 200 nominations of women who work, volunteer and live in regions right across the Territory from Darwin to Arnhem Land and the Red Centre.
This year, there are nine categories ranging from education to sport, with four finalists selected for each category.
All finalists in each category go into a ‘People’s Choice’ award – voted by ntnews.com.au readers – and the top honour of ‘Woman of the Year’ brought to you by Charles Darwin University.
In the People’s Choice category, brought to you by Santos, the NT community holds the power to determine this winner through their votes, making this a truly empowering opportunity for all to recognise and celebrate the exceptional individuals who are making a difference.
Voting is open now and closes at 11.59pm on Friday, May 2.
A luncheon and awards ceremony to reveal the winners will be held at Mindil Beach Casino Resort on Friday, May 9 from midday to 3pm.
Tickets are available for purchase here.
Read about the finalists and cast your vote below now.
Champions of Education - presented by Top End Group Training
Michelle Rowe
For 30 years, Alice Springs teacher Michelle Rowe has diligently taught students from all walks of life. Now, those close to her think it’s time she got some recognition for doing so.
Deborah Lamb
Territory teacher, Deborah, has become renowned for setting up the Duke of Edinburgh awards program at Nightcliff Middle School. Volunteering countless hours each week, the 2024 CDU Mentor of the Year has grown it to over 200 students per year.
Linda Miller
Linda has dedicated her professional life tirelessly to the education of generations of Yolngu at
Mäpuru Yirralka College. Living in the remote homeland town of Mäpuru, the college principal is passionate about bilingual education and the preservation of the Yolngu culture.
Thevi Sivanjini Chelliah
Teacher at Palmerston College Special Education Centre, Thevi, likes to create inclusive and engaging spaces. Whether she is creating a Djembe Auslan Choir and Dance Program or volunteering her spare time to apply for grants, Thevi works to see her students succeed.
Professionals - presented by ISACNT
Emma Nesbitt
As the managing director and consultant at the consultancy business Actio Group, Emma is working hard to help NT businesses succeed. Emma is excited by innovation and also supporting the next generation of female leaders through the Women’s Innovation Network NT.
Sally Gearin
Sally is a pioneering lawyer and barrister who has been a trailblazer for women and LGBTQ+
individuals. She has dedicated large parts of her career to pro bono work and social justice, playing a key role in establishing Darwin’s first women’s refuge.
Larissa Ellis
Alice Springs local, Larissa, is deeply committed to her community and supporting those in need. The CEO of Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia was recognized last year for her work with the Elsie award and NT Social Worker of the Year.
Jessica Buckley
Jessica is a proud Indigenous leader, businesswoman, and co-founder of M+J Builders. Since establishing the company alongside Michael Buckley in 2012, Jessica has been the backbone of its success, wearing many hats and driving the business forward with her dedication, resilience, and leadership.
First Nations Women - presented by Glencore McArthur River Mine
Tammy Hatherill
Tammy Hatherill is an indigenous psychologist who works with trauma victims. Having spent time working as prisons officer and experiencing PTSD herself, Tammy channels her personal experiences into helping others. Tammy is currently completing her PhD focusing on improving access to holistic and culturally oriented care.
Helen Lee
Helen is committed to driving health, social and economic development for Indigenous people. She is board director of the Aboriginal Investment Group, deputy mayor of the Roper Gulf Regional Council and a member of the Arnhem Crows Football Club.
Aunty Bilawara Lee
Senior Elder, Aunty Bilawara, is dedicated to sharing Larrakia culture, lore and language. The Larrakia academic in-residence at CDU and international author is also an honourary elder for many groups and organisations including the Australian Defence Forces NT and Darwin Festival.
Melissa Tipo
Melissa is a distinguished Djerait woman whose multifaceted contributions have significantly advanced Indigenous representation in STEM, education, and cultural preservatio. In her role as Partnerships, Industry, and Engagement manager at CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy, Melissa empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Stars of Retail, Tourism and Hospitality - presented by Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Naomi Hunter
The driving force behind Alice Springs-based Hunter and Co designs, Naomi Hunter has spent the past three years building an earring empire – and it’s one that has gained the PM’s attention, as well as earning her a spot in the NT news Woman of the Year awards.
Anneliese Grazioli
Named Number 8 on the Australian Bartender Most Influential List in 2024, Darwin-born Anneliesse is good at putting her city in the spotlight. She has two award-winning venues, Hanky Panky Lounge and Bar Kokomo, and always strives to develop young talent.
Monica Bugno
As co-owner of Darwin’s The Last Supper and Pasta Parties, it is no surprise Monica’s name has become synonymous with good food and community. From podcasts to Facebook pages, Monica strives to champion local producers and create fun connection spaces.
Danyelle Haigh
There is very little that Danyelle, the owner and manager of Athelle Outback Hideaway in Anmatjere, does not do for her community. The ICPA Alice Springs president hosts Christmas parties, Ladies’ Days and playgroups to help improve mental health and tackle isolation.
Angels Among Us - presented by Power and Water Corporation
Ange Liddicoat
Mum-of-four, Ange, has made it her mission to create an inclusive space with her business ARC Fitness. For 16 hours a day, Ange goes the extra mile to ensure the people in her day feel uplifted and supported.
Jenny Davie
Jenny has spent decades working in the courts and then the past 18 years as a senior witness
assistance officer. During that time, she has provided compassionate and “above and beyond”
support to victims of crime.
Christine Ponter
Christine is a stalwart of her community. She has worked at the Alice Springs Hospital library for 27 years and in her spare time fundraises for needed projects, volunteers with Alice As One and runs cricket teams for local women.
Kate Everett
Kate Everett is the inspiring co-founder of anti-bullying charity Dolly’s Dream, founded in memory of her daughter. Motivated by personal tragedy, Kate has raised millions, created a helpline, school workshops and resources, and supported thousands of families to deal with the impact of bullying and youth suicide.
Champions of Sport - presented by Bridge Toyota Darwin and Palmerston
Liz Cruse
Whether it’s commentating women’s footy or volunteering for junior teams Liz Cruse is a well-known face (and voice) in the Top End sporting scene.
Liz is the sole female commentator for the ABC’s NTFL coverage and is driven to encourage more women to get behind the mic and in turn help grow the competition.
Beyond commentary she’s a life member at St Mary’s and recently took up volunteering at the Nightcliff Tigers managing junior boys teams and looking after the kids she manages.
Yolanda Kanyai
When moving to Darwin to study in 2016, community integration advocate Yolanda first found community through football. The skilled athlete has since made an impact in the sport and community service. She was named Young Citizen of the Year in Palmerston in 2025.
Vicki Bridge
After nine years of running marathons, in March, Vicki realized her goal of earning the Abbott World Majors Six Star Medal. When not running, Vicki is raising her two boys, fundraising or volunteering at the Port Darwin Football Club.
Leanne Chin
Leanne has spent nearly 10 years in athletics helping to promote, host events and support athletes. The executive officer at Athletics NT organises championships, running events like City2Surf fun run, school visits and is passionate about supporting para athletes.
Rising Star (under 25 years) - sponsored by Australian Computer Society
Melinda Martin
Melinda is a fourth-year electrician with Power and Water who has also been nominated for GTNT Apprentice of the Year Award. As an Aboriginal female, Melinda is breaking down barriers and hopes to serve as a role model to others.
Ella Day
Within 10 months of working at Territory True Support Services, Ella had worked her way up to operations manager. Alongside her demanding role, the 20-year-old is studying a double degree at CDU and has represented the NT at national athletics championships.
Taylah Hohn
Katherine resident Taylah, aged 21, is deeply invested in remote communities. The CDU TAFE Agriculture and Rural Operations lecturer is dedicated in delivering short courses in rural areas and is always quick to volunteer to go the extra mile.
Abbe Ayres
While still an apprentice with GTNT Group, Abbe was helping to train others and in 2023 won Electrical and Refrigeration Apprentice of the Year. Now an electrician with GEMCO on Groote Eylandt, she continues to be passionate about teaching the next generation.
Trades and Resources - presented by Newmont
Eilish Grundon
Eilish started off her career as a licensed plumber and is now the director and business development manager at Insite Maintenance. The 31-year-old uses her experience to educate the next generation, advocates for women and volunteers to help improve communities.
Rebecca Pink
Rebecca believes that everyone should have access to reliable and safe water. If not working
towards this as remote water demand management coordinator with Power and Water, the Alice Springs resident is fundraising and volunteering with multiple charities.
Natalie Wynne
In the construction and transportable industry, Natalie is a big champion of diversity and innovation and takes an active role in mentoring. The mum-of-three is co-director of Transportable Solutions NT which is majority indigenous owned and maintains an all-female leadership team.
Emma Koerner
After facing discrimination working in aviation, when Emma joined GTNT Group 14 years ago, she wanted to use her experience to help others. The employment services manager is dedicated to developing initiatives that encourage women to enter and thrive in trades.
STEM - presented by NEC
Karina Bourne
Darwin local and director at Kinetic IT, Karina, has built a career in the ICT industry. As chair of the ICT Industry Association in the Territory, Karina is keen to see local talent and more women succeed and grow.
Sarah Auburn
Associate professor in molecular biology, Sarah, has gained global recognition for her
groundbreaking research on Plasmodium vivax (a malaria parasite). Since moving to Darwin, she has collaborated with professionals in 18 countries and won the Georgina Sweet Award for Women in Quantitative Biomedical Science.
Carla Eisemberg
Carla is known for her research and for being a driving force behind Inspired NT and CDU Radicle. The senior lecturer in STEM Pathways at CDU started the Radicle Awards in 2021 and has a radio segment on ABC radio.
Gillian Gorham
Gillian, who had an extensive career as a nurse, is now Assoicate Professor and Head of the Renal Health Program at Menzies School of Health Research. She is a driven leader who has made significant contributions to health, research, science and technology, including establishing Australia’s first Indigenous dialysis unit in a remote community and designing and implementing an innovative, digital data integration platform.
Originally published as Vote now: NT News Woman of the Year finalists 2025 named
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