A musician who has become a cultural ambassador on the world stage has been recognised as the Australian of the Year in the Northern Territory.
Grant Ngulmiya Nundhirribala, an internationally recognised musician, who is also a cultural leader in Numbulwar community, Arnhem Land, received the award at a ceremony at the Darwin Convention Centre on Monday night.
Nundhirribala, 49, has inspired Numbulwar’s next generation to excel at performing their traditional music and dance, showing them how to earn an income from expressing their internationally esteemed culture, in a place where employment is scarce.
Bridging cultural differences, he has been an ambassador for his music, language and culture across the world.
He collaborated with the Budapest Art Orchestra to release an award-winning album and worked in Japan with North Indian classical artists.
Community volunteer and founder of Seniors Of Excellence NT Michael Foley was awarded NT’s Senior Australian of the Year.
For more than 40 years, Mr Foley has contributed to the recognition of senior citizens in NT communities and their mental wellbeing.
Mr Foley, 84, saw a need for seniors to be acknowledged for the hours of volunteer work they do every day.
In 2014, he founded Seniors Of Excellence NT, inspiring senior citizens to share their valuable expertise and see the value of achievement that comes through community service.
He went on to establish the Seniors Of Excellence NT Award to recognise their selfless work, with 183 seniors receiving the award since 2014.
Community service leader Nilesh Dilushan was judged The NT Young Australian of the Year.
He inspires and unites young people from diverse backgrounds to serve their community.
As co-founder of two not-for-profit organisations, the 28-year-old fosters youth-driven initiatives for social change.
He has led two successful community initiatives: The Kindness Shake and Rotaract Young Professionals NT.
These organisations focus on upskilling young people, addressing literacy gaps and creating employment pathways, making a positive impact on their communities.
From an immigrant grappling with cultural displacement and language barriers to a community leader inspiring a new generation, his journey embodies the territory’s multicultural spirit.
Wildlife carer and advocate Mignon McHendrie is the NT’s 2025 Local Hero.
For more than 30 years, Ms McHendrie, 57, has brought compassion and education to her community, rescuing and caring for the NT’s wildlife.
As head of the community organisation, Wildcare Incorporated, Ms McHendrie is at the helm of a team of volunteers who rescue wildlife.
She also donates her time to working with remote communities, including organising for animals to be flown to Darwin for specialised care.
National Australia Day Council chief executive Mark Fraser congratulated the award recipients for their outstanding achievements and contributions.
“Grant’s leadership is ensuring survival of culture and confident futures for people; Michael is a proud example of the value seniors bring to our society; Nilesh is drawing on his own experience to inspire and support others, and Mignon’s dedication is protecting the unique wildlife that makes the territory and Australia so special.”
