40 under 40: Meet the young Territorians making noise and getting noticed
Celebrating the Territory’s young movers and shakers, here are 40 leaders, entrepreneurs and stars making an impact in the NT.
Northern Territory
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The Northern Territory is often called a young person’s place - and with these people on the scene, that’s not a bad thing.
The NT News’ 40 under 40 list celebrates some of the best talent making an impact across the Territory.
From international stars to emerging names, quiet achievers to those putting themselves out there, the list highlights the diversity of skills and characters in the community.
NT NEWS 40 UNDER 40
40. Cathryn Tilmouth
Despite Cathryn Tilmouth turning 40 this week, the NT News felt she deserved a spot on the list.
This is due to Ms Tilmouth being someone who has taken on significant roles her whole career, including her current vocation as the NT Minerals Council chief executive.
The former Labor government adviser was in the halls of power for close to two decades, before working for energy giants such as Santos.
She is also on the board of the Darwin Festival.
39. Kaia Wright
With a whopping 121k followers on Instagram, there’s no doubt that Kaia Wright has had a big impact on the Territory’s brand.
Ms Wright – who is married to Outback Wrangler star Matt Wright – is a former model and a writer by trade, having written books for Penguin and other publishing houses.
She has made plenty of waves of her own in the Territory community.
38. Matt Paterson
Alice Springs Town Council’s youngest ever mayor is a force to be reckoned with locally.
Coming from a blue collar background, the former electrician also represented the Territory in cricket before being elected to the council at just 30 years old.
Holding the position since 2021, Paterson continues to advocate for Alice both locally and nationally – meeting with the Prime Minister, the head of the AFL, and others to make sure the Red Centre’s voice is heard.
37. Natalie Bell
The managing director of Associated Advertising and Promotions has made big moves building up her event management and strategic communications company.
Her company is seen as the Territory’s leading events specialists delivering everything from business events to festivals across the NT.
More recently she has become a board member at the Chamber of Commerce and in her spare time is dedicated to horse training.
36. Seth Chin
There are few real estate agents in the Territory with the breadth of experience that Seth Chin has, having built his resume across Europe and Asia.
He returned to Darwin in 2014 after working for the world’s largest commercial real estate and investment firm, CBRE, for four years, and established himself as one of the best in the Territory.
35. Jordon Humphreys
Alice Springs man Jordon Humphreys was named the NT’s Young Achiever of the Year in 2024 for his work as a dedicated youth and disability advocate.
The Sadadeen youth has made significant strides in Central Australia through legislative lobbying and community leadership.
He has spearheaded initiatives such as the NT Youth Conference showcasing his commitment to empowering youth and individuals with disabilities.
34. Stephanie Mahy
The social media influencer has more than 25k followers on Instagram where she expresses the importance of body positivity.
Stephanie Mahy has also established herself as a keen advocate for the Territory using her brand to boost the profile of the Top End.
33. Cindy Rostron
Cindy Rostron is a model from Arnhem Land who is star on and off the runway, inspiring the next generation through her young career.
She rose to stardom when she fronted the cover of VOGUE Australia’s May 2022 issue and continues to push her name to new heights.
32. Will Evans
Leading the Territory’s peak body for cattlemen, Will Evans has been fiercely advocating for farmers since his appointment as the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association chief executive.
Before his appointment in 2021, Will worked in the Cattle Council of Australia and as chief executive of the Northern Territory Live Exporters Association.
With Evans at the helm of the NTCA, cattle industry workers can be assured they’ll be heard Territory-wide.
31. Brogan Hanrahan
Young achiever Brogan Hanrahan has built her business empire from the ground up since establishing the Black Russian Caravan bar in Katherine.
Her accomplishment with the popular joint won her the 2019 Small Business Achievement Award and she continues to flourish in her further endeavours.
30. Kat McNamara
A rethrow of preferences revealed Kat McNamara had overthrown former Chief Minister Natasha Fyles in the seat of Nightcliff after 12 years in the seat.
In completing that lofty assignment of winning what many saw as Labor’s safest seat, McNamara became the first ever Greens candidate to be elected to the NT parliament.
It will be a seat to watch in the four years to come.
29. Brooke Peris
The three-time Olympian joined a special club earlier this year when she made her 200th appearance for the Hockeyroos on home turf.
The most capped Indigenous player in Australian hockey has been part of plenty of success since debuting in 2013 against Japan.
Peris has been a huge ambassador for the game, particularly for Territorians, and has been a feature of her side through three Olympics.
The 31-year-old has amassed plenty of medals including a gold at the Commonwealth Games.
28. Jazz Walia
The Top End entrepreneur has made a real splash in the Top End hospitality scene, founding and running many of the most popular dining locations.
Jazz Walia founded the Fresh Point brand in Bellamack in 2017, which has since been followed by two others of the same name in Parap and Nightcliff.
He also owned Urban Spice at the Waterfront as well as Palates of India next door to his original Bellamack establishment.
27. Danielle Jones
As the CEO and general manager of SRO Group of Companies, Danielle has been the backbone behind a number of major events in the Top End in the past decade.
Along with the Top End Gin Festival to Darwin Cocktail Festival, Danielle is involved in Darwin Supercars, BASSINTHEGRASS and PRIDE bars and events.
Outside of her work, she is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is a mentor to budding female hospitality and tourism workers.
26. Pippa Ainsworth
Territory businesswoman Pippa Ainsworth is known for rewriting the book for suburban takeaways in Darwin.
She founded Winnellie’s famous The Trader Cafe in 2013, in an industrial area largely abandoned by others of its kind.
Her success there led to the opening of the Trader Bar in Harriet Place as well as remedial and relaxation massage studio, Amalfi Bodyteca.
25. Amy Hetherington
From the Top End to Europe, Darwin-based comedian Amy Hetherington is making waves worldwide.
The 2023 Perth Fringe World winner is now back in Australia after performing to sell-out crowds at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Hetherington’s star continues to grow, and with a relentless touring schedule – on top of MCing Top End events – it is only deserved.
24. Kate Dinning
Kate is the woman about town in the Top End keeping up to date with the latest events and happenings across the Northern capital.
Always out for an adventurer the popular social media guru has built a career making connections through her PR services and ability to tell a cracking story.
She most recently managed the International PR, media and social strategy for a state tourism organisation and worked heavily with the Darwin Festival.
23. David Ciaravolo
The AFANT chief executive David Ciaravolo joined the fishing body at the beginning of 2017, bringing with him plenty of experience from the recreational fishing sector.
In his role he represents more than 30,000 NT constituents and brings their uses to the NT government in the hopes of giving NT fishos the best.
He is outspoken on issues affecting NT fishos, particularly permits and lockout zones.
22. Molly Upstill
The former NT News scribe has taken on several careers in the past few years, whether working with Bushfires NT or as communications officer in the Opposition Leader’s office.
Most recently she has become the general manager of the Darwin City Retailers Association where she advocates on behalf of city traders.
Ms Upstill is also a board member at the Darwin Turf Club and is co-host of the award nominated Mums Gone Troppo podcast.
21. Michelle Duggan
After practising law for seven years, Ms Duggan set up her own firm Duggan Family Lawyers at the age of 30 in July 2022.
She has thoughtfully navigated her Katherine and Darwin clients through divorces and separations, property settlements, domestic violence matters and child protection disputes.
She also volunteers at the Top End Women’s Legal Service and the Darwin Community Legal Service.
20. Jeremy Hayward
Hayward has been a part of the Australian hockey side since the 2014 World Cup win, in which he was named the Young Player of the Tournament.
The defender has since become a stalwart of the side with 162 appearances to his name and recent outings as the Kookaburras captain.
The 31-year-old was selected for the past two Olympics with his squad taking home the silver in Tokyo.
Hayward’s brother Leon Hayward has also made a name for himself playing for New Zealand’s national side.
19. Joshua Griffen
Photographer Joshua Griffen has a whopping 625k followers on TikTok, making him one of the NT’s most successful influencers.
Look at his dreamy, magical and lightfilled photos and it’s easy to see why.
18. Anneliese Grazioli
Anneliese Grazioli is the owner of two iconic Darwin bars: Hanky Panky Lounge, and relative newcomer Bar Kokomo.
She was recently voted one of the top 100 bartenders in the Australia - the latest in a long strong of hospitality awards - proving she knows how to help Territorians have a delicious good time.
17. Danielle Ponter
The Adelaide Crows’ AFLW forward is one of the Territory’s most successful footballing exports of recent years.
Ponter made her debut in the 2019 season and hasn’t looked back since with two premierships, an All Australian team selection and a Rising Star nomination to her name.
The St Mary’s junior splits her time between Adelaide and Darwin, where she often returns to give back to her club whether by playing or volunteering her time.
16. Peter Susanto
Medical student and community volunteer Peter Susanto was this year’s NT Young Australian of the Year.
At age 12, he won second place in the RoboCup National in Melbourne, competing against Year 11 and 12 students.
He was also the first Territorian to represent Australia in the International Brain Bee Olympiad, a competition about the brain and neuroscience, and came third in the world.
Since 2015, he and his sister, Eva, have sold Indonesian snacks at Nightcliff foreshore to raise money for charities, including The Fred Hollows Foundation and Indonesian orphanages.
He also volunteers with several community groups and is an active member of the Nightcliff Swimming Club.
15. J-Milla
Jacob Nichaloff aka J-Milla, is a Mak Mak Marranunggu rapper and hip hop artist who grew up in Darwin.
He won last year’s NT Music Awards in both Hip Hop and Youth Categories and is beloved by local communities for high energy performances – such as his historic TikTok livestreamed show from the remote community Wadeye.
14. Shaun Edwards
The year 2024 has been especially kind to House of Darwin, the uber-cool fashion label and social enterprise that has won favour with those in the know right across Australia via more than 100 stockists.
Founder (and former professional AFL player) Shaun Edwards is the man behind the label putting the NT on the map - and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.
13. Aswan Reid
The youngest on the list, Aswan Reid charmed audiences far and wide with his incredible performace in 2023 film The New Boy.
The Alice Springs primary school student won Best Lead Actor at his year’s AACTA awards.
12. Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs
Based in Mataranka, Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs is known for - you guessed it - whipping.
He holds several world records, including the most whip cracks in a minute with two whips: 697.
Touring the country with his show, Griggs whips to song requests from the audience - a cracking ambassador for the NT if you ask us.
11. Yirrmal
Yirrmal is a singer, songwriter and storyteller whose music is deeply connected to his Yolngu culture in Northeast Arnhem Land.
He has featured on Aria-winning albums and has collaborated with the likes of Baker Boy and Dami Im, performed with Midnight Oil and at iconic festivals including Woodford Folk Festival, and Bluesfest.
10. David McMahon
David McMahon is head tour guide for Venture North, and has amassed 70k followers sharing his outback adventures on Instagram.
With content including chasing crocs and cooking up cane toads, McMahon is taking on more than his fair share of keeping the legend of the kooky NT adventurer alive.
9. Selena Uibo
Selena Uibo became Leader of the Opposition in the NT this week – making her the first Aboriginal woman to lead a major party in Australia’s history.
The 39-year-old was first elected in 2016, and since then has served as Attorney-General, and Minister for Health, Education and Aboriginal Affairs.
8. Magnolia Maymuru
Yirrkala-born actress and model Magnolia Maymuru was scouted while at an ATM at age 14.
She has since graced the cover of Vogue’s September issue and won Best Supporting Actress at the AACTA awards for her role in The Nightingale.
At the age of 19, Maymuru became the first Aboriginal woman from the NT to enter the Miss World Australia beauty pageant and reached the national finals.
7. Baker Boy
Danzal Baker aka Baker Boy, is a Yolngu rapper, dancer, artist, and actor, raised in Milingimbi and Maningrida.
The 27-year-old has won an ARIA music award for album of the year, and in 2019 was awarded Young Australian of the Year as the first Indigenous artist to achieve mainstream success rapping in the Yolngu Matha language.
6. Minoli De Silva
Chef Minoli De Silva rose to fame as a contestant on MasterChef, and is a now a beloved figure of the Top End’s culinary scene.
Her Sri Lankan restaurant Ella by Minoli has been a standout since opening in 2022, winning this year’s Gold Plate Restaurant of the Year.
5. Tom O’Neill-Thorne
The Darwinite is the face of Australian wheelchair basketball, having captained the Rollers at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
It was his third appearance at the top level of the sport for the 27-year-old – born with arthrogryposis multiplex – who started his international career at 16.
While the hunt for a Paralympics medal is still on he has a growing trophy cabinet with back-to-back NWBL championships with the Darwin Salties and World Championship gold in 2014.
Even when he is not playing he has played a pivotal role boosting the profile of disability sports in the NT, alongside fellow Territorian Clarence McCarthy-Grogan.
4. King Stingray
Since releasing their debut single in 2020, King Stingray has quickly become one of Australia’s favourite bands.
The Northest Arnhem “yolngu surf rock band” has won the Australian Music Prize, Song of the Year at the National Indigenous Music Awards two years in a row, and breakthrough artist at the ARIA music awards.
3. Miranda Tapsell
Larrakia actor Miranda Tapsell is a household name, known for her starring roles in The Sapphires, Top End Wedding and Love Child.
Her memoir Top End Girl was published in 2020, where she details growing up in Jabiru before winning a spot at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney.
2. Lia Finocchiaro
At 39 and 11 months, the new Chief Minister is the second youngest head of government in the NT’s history.
Lia Finocchiaro has led the Country Liberals since 2020, successfully steering the party out of the political wilderness to a landslide victory at last month’s Territory election.
Finocchiaro’s popularity was well and truly proven with her electorate of Spillett becoming the safest seat in the NT.
1. Jess Mauboy
She’s Jess Mauboy - need we say more?
The Territory’s darling rose to fame on Australian Idol in 2006, going on to become one of the country’s most successful female artists.
She has achieved six top-10 albums, 16 top-20 singles, and won two ARIA music awards from 25 nominations.
Mauboy has starred in movies including Bran Nue Dae and The Sapphires, and supported many charities as a performer, donor and ambassador.
Despite often working down south, she has not forgotten her Territory roots - returning to the Top End when she can to spend time with family and contribute to local events.
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