NT News Leader of the Year awards 2024 finalists named
For the first time in 2024, the NT News is honouring our trailblazers and established leaders in a new advocacy campaign and awards program. All finalists are now in the running for the People’s Choice award. SEE THE FINALISTS AND CAST YOUR VOTE.
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From established business and community leaders that have dedicated decades to growing the Northern Territory’s economy and reputation to those just starting to make their mark, 16 inspiring finalists have been selected in the inaugural NT News Leader of the Year awards.
For the first time in 2024, the NT News is honouring our trailblazers and established leaders from all walks of life in a new advocacy campaign and awards program.
Dozens of nominations were received and now, the judging panel has decided its 16 finalists – three each across six categories.
All finalists are now in the running for the People’s Choice award, sponsored by the Northern Territory Government, as voted by ntnews.com.au subscribers.
Voting is open now - cast your vote in the poll below.
An overall NT Leader of the Year will also be crowned from the category finalists.
The winners of each category, plus the people’s choice and overall leader award recipients, will be announced at a special cocktail ceremony event at Mindil Beach Casino Resort on Wednesday, November 20.
Tickets to the event are available for purchase here.
Emerging Leader
Sponsored by GTNT Group.
Jules Gabor
Jules, aged 19, is an advocate for youth mental health, equal opportunity and LGBTQIA+ people, a multifaceted performer/creative in the community.
The 2024 Darwin Young Citizen of the Year has established herself as a significant voice for young people in Darwin and further afield, having helped promote, produce and run the 2024 Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs Youth Conferences.
She is currently producing podcast ‘Heart to Heart: Stories Unleashed’ supported by social enterprise Pathfinders NT and the NT Government, is the NT Young Ambassador for UNICEF Australia and the Vice-Chair of the Northern Territory Youth Round Table.
Jordan Humphreys
As one of the main drivers of the NT All Youth Conference, Jordan’s advocacy has led to significant changes in the NT.
The Centralian Young Citizen of the Year co-chaired the Project Reference Group for the inaugural NT Youth Strategy and he successfully lobbied the Education Minister in 2022 to change the Education Act to provide guidelines on how to deal with bullying in Non-Government Schools.
A proud Alice Springs resident, he successfully had the NT Youth Round Table expand its meetings to the Red Centre capital rather than just Darwin.
Jordan’s other achievements include being named the NT Youth Week Ambassador in 2023, a nominee for 2024 Young Australian of the Year, and crowned the 2024 NT Young Achiever of the Year.
Caitlyn Hudson
From a thriving photography and events business to running a women’s empowerment community while raising four children and pursuing a university degree, Caitlyn balances her busy schedule with poise and professionalism.
The co-founder of Magnify Her, a community for business women which has more than 1000 members in the Northern Territory, was nominated multiple times for her work and was described as a “powerful example to other women, demonstrating that it’s possible to thrive both personally and professionally”.
Caitlyn also owns and operates Lioness Photography and Lion’s Muse Events.
Corporate Leader
Sponsored by NEC.
Sean Bowden
From growing the great game of Aussie rules in the Territory to lobbying government at all levels and advocating for the Territory and its people in the courtroom, Sean has dedicated decades to improving the NT.
Originally growing up in Central Australia and beginning his working career in Alice Springs, Sean went on to launch Sean Bowden and Associates in Darwin in 2000, which seven years later evolved into Bowden McCormack Lawyers.
His legal leadership and guidance was pivotal in major NT cases such as the 2012 Rio Tinto Gove Mining Agreement, the establishment of the Territory-first Gunyangara Township Lease in 2017 and most recently he has acted in landmark High Court litigation, Yunupingu vs. Commonwealth which argues the NT must be subject to all of the provisions of Australia’s Constitution and not separated out because it is a Territory and not a state.
Outside of the courtroom, Sean, a former AFL player with Richmond, has served as director of AFLNT since 2012 and chairman since 2020.
He also chairs the NT AFL Team Taskforce.
Nicole Walsh
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the NT, Nicole Walsh is dedicated to advancing business and community interests.
Base in Alice Springs, she is the chief operating officer for the Chamber of Commerce NT and oversees complex operations that impact thousands of businesses and individuals, showcasing a commitment to driving meaningful change and delivering strategic outcomes for the Chamber and the wider business landscape of the Territory.
She is also involved in high profile awards management, including the Chief Minister’s Export Awards and the Business Excellence Awards.
Nicole also recently took on a role as a member of the newly formed Telstra Regional Council, is vice chair of the NT Community Benefit Fund and is involved in the central Australian Innovation Committee, the Business Support Working Group, the October Business Month Working Group for the NT Government, Activate Alice, and the Barkly Regional Deal Committee and is undertaking the Australian Rural Leadership Program.
Tony Crowe
As the general manager of NRL NT, Tony Crowe has been a strong advocate for growing the game of rugby league in the Territory and has implemented a range of initiatives to do so.
These include designing inclusive junior development competitions to bring together more than 600 junior players from right across the NT, promoting various health and wellbeing campaigns, driving Inidgenous participation in league and cultural celebrations through the Deadly Cup competition, promotion of the NRLNT Female Committee and promotion of wheelchair rugby league.
Tony also leads by example at a grassroots level by taking on the role of competitions ground announcer for all games each weekend.
Cultural and Recreational Leader
Sponsored by The Sunday Territorian
Hriday Nayyar
From helping international students get their driver’s licenses to supporting cultural events, Hriday Nayyar dedicates his time to mentoring young leaders and students.
Hriday is the project lead for Jump Start 2024 under Young Professionals Rotaract Northern Territory and has guided 24 international and domestic students in obtaining their driving licences through the Drive Safe NT program.
He has also been involved in the lantern parades in the Vietnamese Lantern Festival, supported the Persona Indonesia Festival and the Kindness Festival.
As a cultural advocate and volunteer, including more than 50 hours of volunteer work through the Charles Darwin University Value Program, his contributions were recognised when he was named as a finalist in the Volunteer of the Year award from the Chief Minister.
Jules Gabor
Jules, aged 19, is an advocate for youth mental health, equal opportunity and LGBTQIA+ people, a multifaceted performer/creative in the community.
The 2024 Darwin Young Citizen of the Year has established herself as a significant voice for young people in Darwin and further afield, having helped promote, produce and run the 2024 Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs Youth Conferences.
She is currently producing podcast ‘Heart to Heart: Stories Unleashed’ supported by social enterprise Pathfinders NT and the NT Government, is the NT Young Ambassador for UNICEF Australia and the Vice-Chair of the Northern Territory Youth Round Table.
Sean O’Grady
For three years now Sean has been the president and secretary of Verdi Football Club, helping to drive development and promotion of football in his community.
Under his leadership in 2024, the club has expanded to win five out of six major senior titles, while he has also spent hours creating pathways for junior participation and the growth of female participation in the sport.
Sean has raised thousands of dollars for new equipment, new kits for every player, and training programs for coaches as well as first aid training.
Sean’s nomination said he had: “Left an indelible mark on the club and the entire Verdi family. He’s the best leader the club and the sport has ever had.”
Workplace Leader
Sponsored by NT News Business Review
Tegan Blockey
As the dealer principal of Lexus of Darwin and Bridge Toyota, Tegan is a strong advocate for gender equality in the automotive industry and is one of few female dealer principals across the brand’s 245 dealerships in Australia.
Her trajectory into the role is significant, having first started her career as a car care assistant before working her way up to the top job.
When she entered the role, she set a goal of increasing female representation at Bridge Toyota from 25 per cent to 55 per cent.
This initiative was recognised nationally when she was a panellist at the One Toyota Women’s Conference.
She has also introduced growth sessions to empower her team and a monthly recognition program.
Tegan also has a focus on community, spearheading the business’ involvement with local sporting groups and launching a traineeship program to support NT students.
Aaron McMaster
As the father of a young man who cannot walk, talk or see, Aaron dedicates his life to advocating for others.
He is the director of disability support service Territory True Pty Ltd based in Palmerston and leads a staff of 30 people – his True Crew.
Described in his nomination as having a “stoic, reliable and consistent” leadership style, Aaron prioritises the growth and development of not just his service users, but his staff as well.
In the past year, Aaron and his team have grown the Territory True business to include a supported employment cafe in Durack, despite tough economic conditions.
Michael Buckley
Construction industry figure Michael of M+J Builders is described as having an “unwavering commitment to excellence” and “exceptional leadership qualities that inspire and motivate his team”.
The firm, which is co-directed by Michael and Jessica Buckley, has been operating in the Northern Territory for more than 20 years.
Michael believes a strong team is the foundation of any successful business and he invests time and resources in building trust, teamwork and strong team culture among his colleagues.
The proof is in the pudding, with M+J Builders having won Master Builder awards in the past.
Business Pioneer Leader
Sponsored by Margetic and Sitzler Consolidated Holdings.
Anita Synnott
From market stalls at Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and Parap Village Markets to the shelves of 16 outlets across Australia, long term Territory resident Anita has grown brand Natural Territory into a thriving business.
The business, which formulates and manufactures skincare, haircare, body care and aromatherapy ranges packed with NT botanicals, sells its wares online and in 16 stores across the country including locally in the Northern Territory as well as in Queensland Western Australia.
Anita and her team, who have ties to both Darwin and Alice Springs, are also preparing the launch the Territory’s first makeup range.
Andrew Price
For 25 years, Andrew Price has dedicated his life to the security industry.
The current head of development and political affairs with Neptune Holding Group Pty Ltd has been a driving force behind innovation and value creation for clients, consistently pushing to elevate industry standards.
In his nomination, Andrew was described as having a “forward-thinking approach” and being “known for his passion to positively impact both clients and the broader security community”.
Nicole Shackcloth
Through her leadership of Saltbush Social Enterprises, Nicole has earned her place as a transformative leader in the Northern Territory.
With a majority Aboriginal Board and management team, Saltbush has been a force for positive change, delivering targeted services in key areas such as wellbeing, education, training, and employment.
Under Nicole’s leadership as CEO, Saltbush has empowered Aboriginal people to break free from welfare reliance and connect with sustainable employment opportunities, helping to bridge the gaps created by fragmented program delivery.
Front Line Leader
Sponsored by Mindil Beach Casino Resort.
Zane Cross
With a defence background, Zane brings a wealth of experience and leadership in his role as head of operations at Neptune Holding Group.
The navy veteran has been described as “an inspirational leader who draws upon his life skills, discipline, and resilience to guide others”.
He is noted for his ability to inspire, motivate and lead with integrity, which empowers those around him to strive for excellence.
Taylah Peters
For the past three years, Taylah has been the manager of specialist and children’s therapeutic support at Relationships Australia NT.
She leads a team delivering seven programs across the NT focusing on institutional trauma, abuse, Stolen Generations impacts, incarceration and intercountry adoption support and has lobbied for $500,000 in extra funding for the development and implementation of new programs within the social services sector.
Outside of her work with Relationships Australia, Taylah is the chair of Amber NT – a local organisation supporting those impacted by the loss of a child.
Danielle Jones
When it comes to significant social events in the Northern Territory, there is a fair chance Danielle has been involved.
The CEO and general manager of SRO Group of Companies exemplifies the character of a leader, sharing her passions with those that support her in her sheer determination to pursue and deliver memorable events and functions.
Danielle leads her people through those qualities, promoting and encouraging them to thrive, take risks and be rewarded.
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