Jeremy Johnson, 19, is reshaping what leadership looks like for young people across the Northern Territory's Big Rivers region.

Based in Katherine, Mr Johnson works full-time with Katherine West Health Board in Aboriginal Cooperation in Tackling Indigenous Smoking. He is part of a growing movement of young First Nations leaders who are stepping up, speaking out, and creating pathways for others to follow.

Mr Johnson's leadership journey is deeply personal. Growing up in remote communities, he witnessed firsthand the barriers many young people face regarding education, employment and opportunity. Rather than accepting that as the norm, he made a decision to break that cycle, not just for himself, but for others coming behind him.

"Working in this space opened my eyes. I started to understand that just because something feels normal doesn't mean it's acceptable," he said.

"There are real gaps, and they affect real people every day. That's when I knew I couldn't just sit back. I had to be part of changing that."

Mr Johnson's involvement in the 2025 NT Youth Roundtable marked a turning point. It was there he began developing a vision for a youth leadership initiative focused on the Big Rivers region, designed to tackle disengagement, reduce barriers to employment, and create stronger, more confident young leaders.

"For me, it's about making sure young people don't feel like they're on their own," he said. "There are opportunities out there, but sometimes you just need someone to show you where they are and how to get there. If we can build that support around our young people, we'll see real change."

Mr Johnson is also contributing to real change through his role on the Katherine Justice Reinvestment Youth Advisory Board, ensuring that young voices are part of the conversations shaping their futures.

His work is grounded in lived experience, giving him a powerful ability to influence policy and programs in a way that truly reflects community needs.

What stands out most about Mr Johnson is not just his achievements, but his commitment to bringing others along with him. He actively encourages young people in remote communities to step into advocacy, pursue employment, and believe in what is possible for their lives.

"I've seen how powerful it is when young people have someone to look up to," he said. "When they can see what's possible, it changes the way they think about their own future."

His journey has not been without challenges. Navigating personal loss while stepping into adulthood and leadership has shaped his resilience and purpose.

Inspired by his late father, a long-serving NT Police Officer, he carries forward a legacy of service, determination and community pride.

"I carry what they taught me every day," he said. "Their strength, their values, the way they showed up for others. That's what keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do this."

Now recognised as a 2026 NT Youth Week Ambassador and a finalist in the Regional and Rural Initiative Award at the NT Young Achiever Awards, Mr Johnson continues to invest in his growth, taking every opportunity to learn, connect and lead.

"Don't be afraid to take that first step, even if you're not sure where it will lead," he said. "Every experience teaches you something, and sometimes the path only becomes clear once you start walking it."

Jeremy Johnson is proof leadership does not come from position or age. It comes from courage, lived experience, and a willingness to stand up and create change where it is needed most.