Proud Warumungu man Jaiden Dickenson has been awarded the 2026 NT Young Australian of the Year, celebrated at Monday evening's award ceremony for his powerful leadership, compassion and unwavering dedication to young people in Tennant Creek, Ali Curung and Elliott.
Mr Dickenson has become one of the most influential young leaders in the Barkly region, working at the heart of youth justice and healing. As a Youth Diversion Officer with Tennant Creek Mob, he helps young people break cycles of trauma, violence and crime by guiding them towards accountability, cultural pride and hope.
His work is built on empathy and belief. He does not see young people as statistics or offenders, but as individuals carrying pain, often inherited and often ignored.
"Most of the kids in the community are looking up to me and they keep saying I want to be like that, I want to be like Jaiden. They always say to me I am going to just be like you Jaiden, just go find a job and live a better life than sitting around at home," he said.
When his name was announced as the winner, Mr Dickenson said the moment felt surreal.
"I got shocked and really excited about it. Yeah, perfect," he said.
For him, this award is more than a personal honour. It represents his family, his Elders and every young person who has chosen hope over hardship.
"To help the families, the community and my friends in Tennant, that is what it means to me. Now I am meeting new people from all over Australia and connecting with them. I will have someone to support me with anything I need. I am really glad I am meeting new people today."
His approach to leadership is simple, honest and grounded in determination.
"If you got a goal, chase it. If there is a ladder there that you can reach, climb it. And if there is no one else there to support you, just do not worry about it, just keep kicking your goals," he said.
"You do not have to be like everybody else, you can be you. You can be yourself. You can do anything by yourself. You are just gonna chase your goal and keep climbing the ladder."
His work has helped reduce youth reoffending in Tennant Creek and strengthened engagement in schooling, work and cultural programs. More importantly, it has restored belief. Young people are choosing pride over pressure, responsibility over chaos.
What makes his impact extraordinary is the ripple effect. Many of the young people he once supported are now becoming mentors themselves. They are speaking up, applying for jobs and showing others that change is possible.
Winning this award acknowledges not only what Mr Dickenson has done, but who he is. A young Warumungu man walking with his culture beside him, proving that leadership does not always come from titles or big stages. Sometimes it starts on red dirt country, in quiet conversations, in small acts of care.
From Tennant Creek to the national stage, Mr Dickenson stands as proof that resilience, culture and hope can shape a better future.
And his message remains clear. Chase your goals. Be yourself. Keep going.
