NT Young Australian of the Year allegedly punched and kicked women over alcohol
Jaiden Dickenson allegedly punched and kicked two women in a dispute over alcohol and cigarettes in Tennant Creek on November 21.
The Northern Territory’s Young Australian of the Year – recognised for his work in youth reoffending – allegedly punched two women in the face after they refused to provide him alcohol and cigarettes.
Jaiden Dickenson, who in November was described as a “beacon of hope and resilience for young people” when receiving the prestigious award, has now requested to withdraw from national selection after he was charged with serious domestic violence offences.
Sources have revealed to The Australian that Mr Dickenson was allegedly drunk when he visited a home in Tennant Creek on the evening of Friday, November 21, demanding alcohol and cigarettes.
When refused, the 18-year-old allegedly punched the first victim in the face and then punched and kicked another woman who was also at the property.
Police attended and he was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault.
A spokesperson for the National Australia Day Council, which administers the awards, confirmed that Mr Dickenson had requested to withdraw from the national selection process.
“We can confirm that Mr Jaiden Dickenson, the 2026 Young Australian of the Year for the Northern Territory, has requested to withdraw from the national selection process for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards,” the spokesperson said.
“As this matter is currently subject to legal proceedings, the National Australia Day Council will not be providing further comment at this time.”
In being awarded the NT Young Australian of the Year, Mr Dickenson was credited with helping young people “address the trauma at the root of crime and social disorder by taking responsibility for their behaviour”.
The Australian of the Year website has not disclosed the charges he is facing.
“Proud Warumungu man Jaiden Dickenson is a beacon of hope and resilience for young people in the Tennant Creek, Ali Curung and Elliott communities,” his profile on the official Australian of the Year website reads.
“In his role as a Tennant Creek Mob Youth Diversion Officer, Jaiden helps young people address the trauma at the root of crime and social disorder by taking responsibility for their behaviour, overcoming their personal challenges and moving towards rehabilitation.
“Jaiden’s approach is grounded in empathy, cultural understanding and the belief that every young person needs someone to believe in them. His work has led to a significant reduction in the number of youth reoffending and supported engagement in more positive pathways,” it says.
Following his arrest, he was released on bail.
NT Police on Wednesday confirmed that two women had been allegedly assaulted, after initially saying there was one alleged victim.
“On the evening of Friday, 21 November, 2025, police responded to reports of an alleged assault at a residence in Tennant Creek,” the police statement read.
“It is alleged an 18-year-old male had physically assaulted two adult females who are known to him. Police attended and arrested the 18-year-old. He was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and was bailed to appear in Tennant Creek Local Court on 13 January, 2026.
“The victims did not require medical attention.”
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