NT News Territory Leader of the Year brought to you by Sitzler, 2025 winners
A Territorty woman’s three-decade nursing career has reached its ultimate recognition, proving that true leadership comes from those who put community before personal gain. SEE THE LIST OF WINNERS.
A woman who has dedicated decades of her life to caring for Territorians has been named the 2025 NT News Territory Leader of the Year.
Alice Springs health practitioner Helen Lamech was crowned the Health and Wellbeing category winner, before taking out the coveted Territory Leader of the Year, brought to you by Sitzler, for her incredible and selfless healthcare work.
The gong caps off a stellar year for Ms Lamech, who was earlier this year named the 2025 Jan Baldwin National Credentialled Diabetes Educator at the Australasian Diabetes Congress, and at the recent 2025 NT PHN health professional of the year awards, she took home the Administrator’s Medal for Health Professional of the Year and NT Health’s Nurse/Midwife of the Year.
Ms Lamech and the winners of each category, plus the people’s choice winner, were announced at a special cocktail ceremony event at Mindil Beach Casino Resort on Wednesday, November 26.
It comes after 24 inspiring finalists were selected in the awards from more than 100 nominees, which are in their second year and aim to honour the Territory’s trailblazers and established leaders.
NT News editor Melanie Plane said the publication was thrilled to celebrate such an incredible group of Territorians.
“The Northern Territory requires leadership that is both visionary and deeply grounded in the values and needs of its people,” Ms Plane said.
“Leadership, in any context, is about making decisions that impact lives, guiding people through challenges, and fostering environments in which individuals and communities can thrive.
“But leadership in the Territory is also about embodying the spirit of this extraordinary place.
“It’s about listening deeply, acting with resilience, being visionary, and always striving to improve the lives of those around you and I can’t think of anyone who embodies those values more than Helen Lamech.”
People’s Choice
Sponsored by the Northern Territory Government
Neill Carberry – winner
Described as a visionary leader whose commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation has transformed culture and performance, Neill Carberry is the owner and managing director of SolarCity NT and director of NC Electrical & Air Conditioning and Smart Energy NT.
Under his guidance, record growth has been achieved as well as streamlined operations and a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and empowerment.
Neill was a finalist in the Corporate Leader category and from more than 1000 overall votes, was voted the clear winner of the People’s Choice award by NT News readers.
Corporate Leader
Sponsored by NEC
Shaun Pearce – winner
The CEO of Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation for more than a decade, Shaun Pearce has transformed the IAC into one of the Territory’s most successful and respected Aboriginal organisations. Mr Pearce, who is heralded as visionary and inclusive, has grown the organisation fourfold to now employ more than 130 Territorians. Outside of his day job, Mr Pearce gives back by volunteering with The Man Walk Darwin and Just One Reason and contributes to the Chamber of Commerce NT, Darwin Buffaloes Football Club, Tourism NT and more.
Health and Wellbeing Leader
Sponsored by NT News
Helen Lamech – winner
From building a community of people with lived experience to advocating for patients, Alice Springs health practitioner Helen Lamech has changed the lives of countless Territorians. For more than 30 years, she has dedicated her nursing career to the Territory, transforming lives through her expertise, compassion, and leadership, particularly through her work as a diabetes educator. It is in the diabetes space particularly that she empowers individuals and families to take control of their health and advocates for accessible, patient-centred care.
Emerging Leader
Sponsored by Sitzler
Ryan Cooney – winner
As the People Operations Manager for NAAJA, Ryan Cooney has led transformative initiatives that strengthen workforce capability, wellbeing, and cultural safety not just with NAAJA, but also St John NT, Catholic Education, City of Darwin and Kalano Community Association. He also volunteers on the NT Reform Committee and founded and led Fair Go
Association, a small not-for-profit dedicated to providing free employment law advice to
disadvantaged groups across the NT.
Hall of Fame Leader
Sponsored by Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Shane Dignan – winner
From running a hugely successful business to donating thousands of dollars to charity, Shane Dignan is dedicated to making the Northern Territory a better place for all. Mr Dignan, a founder, managing director and CEO of DCOH, has helped shape the NT business, community and economic landscapes for almost 40 years. DCOH delivers excellence across development, construction, operations and hospitality with a focus on local procurement and employment. DCOH also supports dozens of local charities and community organisations, with more than
$250,000 in community and charitable partnerships in 2025 alone.
Community Leader
Sponsored by Sunday Territorian
Danyelle Haigh – winner
From running an outback tourism business to supporting rural women and families, Danyelle Haigh is a true wonder woman. On top of raising a family and running remote businesses Athelle Outback Hideaway and Murranji Water Drilling, Mrs Haigh has for the past three years run the Red Centre Rural Ladies Day which brings together women from across the Territory and beyond, providing connection, support, and inspiration for those living in isolation. She also volunteers as President of the Isolated Childrens Parents Association Alice Springs Branch and serves as a Director for Women in Trucking Australia.
Small Business Leader
Sponsored by NT Business Review
Tammy Karambetis – winner
Mellowed Out Greek Takeaway in Gray is more than just a corner shop, it’s a place of community connection and at its heart is owner Tammy Karambetis.
Outside of serving up delicious food, Ms Karambetis has over the past two years used her business to unite the community through major events to make the suburb safer and more connected. One such standout event was when Mellowed Out Greek Takeaway partnered with the Northern Territory’s National Survivors Day ambassador, to host a special brunch in 2024 that stood in solidarity with survivors and brought attention to vital social issues in the community.
Originally published as NT News Territory Leader of the Year brought to you by Sitzler, 2025 winners
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