Chief Minister
Media Release 2027 Australian of the Year Awards NT winners announced
9 November 2026
The Territory’s most inspiring Australians have been recognised at the 2027 NT Australian of the Year Awards.
Diabetes educator Helen Lamech was named as the Australian of the Year for the Northern Territory.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro congratulated all 17 remarkable Territorian nominees across four categories, whose contributions to their communities represent the very best of the Northern Territory.
The Territory’s most inspiring Australians have been recognised tonight at the 2027 NT Australian of the Year Awards, where diabetes educator Helen Lamech was named as the Australian of the Year for the Northern Territory.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro congratulated all 17 remarkable Territorian nominees across four categories, whose contributions to their communities represent the very best of the Northern Territory.
“Every nominee has made the Northern Territory proud – tonight is about celebrating the people who make the Northern Territory such a special place to call home,” the Chief Minister said.
“The Territory is one of Australia’s most remarkable places, but what truly makes the Northern Territory special is our people.”
Other outstanding Territorians recognised include:
2027 Senior Australian of the Year for Northern Territory: Volunteer chaplain Patricia King, from Casuarina2027 Young Australian of the Year for Northern Territory: Volunteer first responder Taitt Green, from Katherine2027 Australia’s Local Hero for Northern Territory: Rural and remote chaplains Majors Niall and Michelle Gibson, from Katherine.
The Northern Territory award recipients will now go on to represent the Territory at the national Australian of the Year Awards in Canberra in January 2027.
Helen Lamech, from Desert Springs, is a nurse whose education leadership has transformed diabetes care in Central Australia. Dedicating more than 30 years to nursing in the Territory and the last decade to diabetes education, Helen has improved health outcomes for more than 2,000 people facing significant cultural and geographical barriers.
Helen established the region’s first nurse-led Type 1 diabetes clinic and has mentored more than 30 diabetes educators and over 300 health professionals. Her trauma-informed, culturally-responsive approach has reduced hospital admissions, improved safety and equipped families to manage diabetes with confidence.
The Chief Minister said the awards recognised Territorians who have made an extraordinary difference to the lives of others through their service, leadership, volunteering and dedication to their communities.
“It is the Territorians who go above and beyond for others, often quietly and without seeking recognition, who make such a difference to our communities. All of the nominees here represent the very best of us,” the Chief Minister said.
“Whether it is supporting communities through floods and cyclones, improving education, volunteering their time, caring for people through healthcare or simply being there when someone needs help, these remarkable Territorians have shown up for others time and time again.”
The Chief Minister also thanked the Australia Day Council of the Northern Territory and the National Australia Day Council for their work in recognising outstanding Australians and celebrating those who make a difference in their communities.
