Young writers from across the Northern Territory have showcased their creativity and storytelling talent in the 2026 Young Territory Author Awards, with 14-year-old Raeesa Hasan named Young Territory Author of the Year for her book A Starcatcher’s Rebirth.
Now in its 36th year, the Young Territory Author Awards provide young Territorians with the opportunity to write and publish their own books and share their stories with readers across the Territory.
Judges praised Raeesa’s winning entry as a “beautifully crafted story” with vivid language, a compelling narrative and stunning illustrations that drew readers into the world of the story from the first page.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles said the awards showcased the depth of young writing talent across the Northern Territory.
“The Young Territory Author Awards continue to go from strength to strength, with a record 318 entries received this year, including a record 12 school entries from across the Northern Territory,” Mr Styles said.
“The exceptional response highlights the storytelling ability of young people across the Territory, from our urban centres to regional and remote communities.
“It is particularly pleasing to see a number of past winners return and be recognised again this year, demonstrating the lasting impact these awards have in nurturing and developing young writers.
“From picture books and poetry to fantasy adventures and personal reflections, this year’s winners demonstrated exceptional skill and confidence in sharing their stories.
“Congratulations to all participants, winners, teachers, families and supporters who help make these awards such a valued and enduring Territory tradition,” he said.
The Variety NT YTAA Runner Up Award was presented to 17-year-old Marlah Scobie-Webb for A Collection of Poems: Still the World Moves On, a collection of poems judges described as mature, thoughtful and deeply moving.
The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) NT Branch WOW Awards were presented to Rehman Rehman, 10, for The Phoenix Hero and Bonnisha Winetou, 11, for I Love Wearing My Hijab. Judges commended both authors for their originality, powerful storytelling and engaging illustrations.
Ms Dan’s Class from Nakara Primary School received the School Winner Award for Jerry’s Adventures, with judges recognising the class’s collaborative storytelling and creativity.
Several previous winners were recognised again in 2026, highlighting the enduring success of the awards in fostering young literary talent. Marlah Scobie-Webb claimed both the Variety NT Runner Up Award and the 16 to 18 Years category, while Okith Sejan Gunawardana successfully defended the 8 Years and Under title. Palmerston regional winner Saanvi Shapkota also secured the category for a second consecutive year.
Among the category winners, judges praised Ojasvi Agrawal’s A Name They Forgot for its thoughtful exploration of loneliness, belonging and the importance of being seen, while Florence Mbouti’s Behind the Windowpanes impressed with its imaginative storytelling and themes of friendship, family and connection.
Regional winners were recognised across Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Litchfield, Palmerston and East Arnhem, reflecting the depth of storytelling talent throughout the Territory. This year’s Darwin Regional Award was presented to seven-year-old Chloe Koh for Maybe it’s a Donut, continuing a family tradition after her sister won the award in 2025.
Major Award Winners
Young Territory Author of the Year
- Raeesa Hasan (14), A Starcatcher’s Rebirth
Variety NT YTAA Runner Up Award
- Marlah Scobie-Webb (17), A Collection of Poems: Still the World Moves On
CBCA NT Branch WOW Awards
- Rehman Rehman (10), The Phoenix Hero
- Bonnisha Winetou (11), I Love Wearing My Hijab
School Winner Award
- Ms Dan’s Class, Nakara Primary School, Jerry’s Adventures
Age Category Winners
8 Years and Under
- Winner: Okith Sejan Gunawardana, Bruce My Best Friend
- Highly Commended: Nicoletta Thorbjornsen in collaboration with Sebastian and Ignatius Thorbjornsen, Hello Mr Broccoli, I’m Going to Eat You Today!
- Encouragement Award: Mila Forsterling, Safe Places
9 to 12 Years
- Winner: Ojasvi Agrawal, A Name They Forgot
- Highly Commended: Angela Koh, The Light of Mythalis
- Encouragement Award: Zoe Forsterling, Five Kids Five Disasters
13 to 15 Years
- Winner: Florence Mbouti, Behind the Windowpanes
- Highly Commended: Faye Yik, Torn in Two: How Sweet Does Revenge Taste?
- Encouragement Award: Chloe Prosser, They Were
16 to 18 Years
- Winner: Marlah Scobie-Webb, Roots in Strange Places
- Highly Commended: Lochlan Hillary, illustrated by Russell, Stars and Shadows
Regional Winners
Darwin Regional Award (sponsored by The Bookshop Darwin)
- Chloe Koh, Maybe it’s a Donut
Alice Springs (sponsored by Alice Springs Council)
- Acacia Hill School, Jax and Kevin’s Ocean Journey
Katherine (sponsored by Katherine Council)
- Piper Pfenning, A Walk at the Gorge
Litchfield (sponsored by Litchfield Council)
- Green Group – Ms Andrew, Berry Springs Primary School, A World of Dreams and Adventures
Palmerston (sponsored by City of Palmerston Council)
- Saanvi Shapkota, Our Words, Our Worlds
East Arnhem (sponsored by East Arnhem Council)
- Adam Ahimaz, The Origin of Hiccups
City of Darwin thanks the judges, sponsors, schools, libraries and families who continue to support and encourage young authors across the Northern Territory.
