Cal Hooley is the first Northern Territory person to be named Blind Australian of the Year

A Darwin health worker and sporting coach is the first Northern Territory resident to take out a national award. Read his inspiring story here.

Blind Australian of the Year winner Callum Hooley. Picture: Nicola Bloedel Photography

A Northern Territory resident has taken out a national award recognising achievement and contribution of people with low and no vision.

Darwin health liaison officer and sporting enthusiast Cal Hooley won the Blind Australian of the Year award for 2022.

The awards were held in Brisbane last month and Mr Hooley said he was “humbled” to be recognised.

“The awards were incredible and the people I got to meet and stand next to was incredible — I’m just me though,” he said.

“It’s great to be acknowledged and reflect on everything that led to it.”

His slew of achievements include running youth programs in Indigenous communities, coaching local kids in sports and working for the National Disability Insurance Agency.

Callum Hooley in action for his baseball team, Tracy Village.

Mr Hooley said the awards were a great chance to highlight “how people with visual disabilities can still have a significant impact on the people around them”.

“There’s obviously the benefit of this being an opportunity for other people to see that where you’re met with barriers, which eyesight is obviously a major one for me, and you’ve got the will to pursue your goals then it’s possible.”

He said his fellow award winners — Craig Shanahan and Dr Geraldine Lane — were inspiring people to be able to stand next to.

He said a lot of other people in his community deserved similar recognition.

Blind Australian of the Year winner Callum Hooley with fellow winners Craig Shanahan and Geraldine Lane. Picture: Nicola Bloedel Photography

This week the Territory government will host the NT Disability Inclusion Awards.

Disabilities Minister Ngaree Ah Kit said the ceremony would recognise those making a difference in the sector.

“They are the people, the organisations, the businesses who are providing people with disability every opportunity to lead happier, healthier, safer and more fulfilling lives,” she said.

“We are proud to be hosting the awards ceremony at Parliament House on Friday evening and look forward to recognising the outstanding contributions made in this important sector.”