Zoe Walters, 22, of Alice Springs is shaping a powerful legacy grounded in culture, creativity and community — impact which is now being recognised as a finalist in the Regional and Rural Initiative Award category at the NT Young Achiever Awards.
A proud Anmatyerre woman, Ms Walters is someone who moves with purpose across every space she enters. Whether she is standing on stage, facilitating a training room, or walking alongside patients in their most vulnerable moments, her work is deeply rooted in strengthening understanding and connection.
Miss Walters' journey has been anything but ordinary. As a young woman navigating her identity, she stepped into spaces where Aboriginal voices were often absent and made sure they were not just included, but respected.
At just 16, she began advocating for stronger cultural recognition within her school, including the introduction of an Acknowledgement of Country at assemblies. Her early leadership set the tone for what was to come.
Reflecting on her early experiences, she said: "Going to a predominantly white high school, and then being the only Aboriginal person in my class in university has taught me the importance of resilience and strength of character. I found that I felt inherently different to the people around me and there was a certain level of disconnect."
"I do sometimes struggle with my identity, but I am able to ground myself with my family, friends and community.
"I have found great strength in working with blackfellas, both in my acting and health careers. I am slowly starting to find that strength and confidence internally as well."
Today, Miss Walters continues that work through her role at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress as a Cancer Support Officer. In the space, she provides culturally safe support to Aboriginal patients, ensuring they feel seen, understood and cared for throughout their cancer journey.
"Culturally safe care is vital to closing the health gap for Aboriginal patient outcomes," she said. "If the client doesn't feel heard and respected, they won't want to go to treatment or to appointments. Getting good outcomes is about empowering our people to make healthy choices and decisions, not shaming them."
Alongside her work in health, Ms Walters continues to use storytelling as a powerful tool for change. She featured in the documentary Off Country, sharing her story and lived experience, and has also performed in the stage production The Visitors. Through these platforms, she contributes to challenging dominant narratives and creating space for truth telling.
"The arts are integral to life, it's how we hold a mirror up to society and have conversations," Ms Walters said. "I don't take for granted the position I am in, representing our people while overseas and being at the helm of those truthful conversations."
Despite working across multiple worlds, Miss Walters remains grounded in what matters most.
"What connects them all for me is my genuine love for what I do. At its core, all of these fields are about connecting with people," she said. "Staying grounded in myself and my culture is about remembering who I am and where I come from, and who came before me."
For the next generation, Ms Walters' message is clear and honest.
"It's hard for young First Nations people, especially in the political climate of this country, to find their voice when it feels like no one wants to listen," she said. "But people do want to listen and if you keep speaking, those people will find you. Follow your passions, follow your truth."
Zoe Walters is a young leader grounded in culture, driven by purpose and committed to walking alongside her community and this recognition is just one moment in what is already a powerful journey.
