Leanne Liddle among Territorians recognised for their service to community

The Australian of the Year awards have recognised four Territorians for their outstanding work in the community.

FOUR Territorians have been named in various categories of the prestigious Australian of the Year awards.

Central Arrernte woman and director of the Aboriginal Justice Unit, Leanne Liddle, was named 2022 NT Australian of the Year for her work across the territory with Aboriginal communities.

The National Australia Day Council released a statement honouring Ms Liddle as a driving force behind the NT Aboriginal justice agreement, which aims to reduce imprisonment rates, increase Aboriginal leadership and improve justice outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians.

“During her decade of service, she has experienced racism and abuse that she fought and used to fuel her passion to make a difference in the justice arena,” the statement said.

Aboriginal Justice Unit director Leanne Liddle. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

Alongside her, Focus-A-Bility founder Robyn Burridge was named Senior Australian of the Year for her advocacy in disability rights across government and community. The embargoed statement said Ms Burridge was a highly regarded leader, advocate and activist in the disability sector.

The Territory’s Young Australian of the Year is Sizolwenkosi Fuyana, who has overcome her own mental health struggles to now support young people at risk of entering the justice system.

The managing director of Fuyana Support, she runs a youth-oriented consultancy that provides social and emotional wellbeing to young people. She recently partnered with the City of Palmerston to develop a Youth Info Map that encourages youth freelance work.

Finally, event organiser and fundraiser Rebecca Forrest was awarded NT Local Hero for her work with various charities.

Ms Forrest’s events have raised $1m in funds for various causes.

The four will join other state and territory winners to be possibly named 2022 Australian of the Year at a ceremony on January 26 next year.

National Australia Day Council chief executive Karlie Brand congratulated the award recipients from the Northern Territory.