Courtney Jane McCabe, 26, is quietly building a reputation in the Northern Territory, blending leadership, creativity and community in a way which feels both authentic and deeply needed.

Her impact is being recognised, with Ms McCabe named a finalist in the Small Business Achievement category at the NT Young Achiever Awards.

Based in Darwin, Mr McCabe is balancing a full-time role as Competition Coordinator with AFL Northern Territory while growing her own business, Courtney Jane Media. It's a dual pathway which speaks to her drive, but more importantly, to her purpose.

Ms McCabe's work in football is about more than fixtures and governance. It is about people, and about creating spaces where community sport remains strong, inclusive and accessible.

She understands in the Territory, sport is connection. It is culture. It is community. She shows up every day to make sure those systems are working for the people they are meant to serve.

At the same time, behind the lens of Courtney Jane Media, she is telling the stories which matter. Through photography, videography and digital storytelling, she is capturing moments that might otherwise be missed. Grassroots sport. Small business. Community events. Real people doing real things.

There is intention in her work.

As a First Nations woman, Ms McCabe is committed to ensuring our stories are told with pride, honesty and strength.

"Representation means a lot to me, both personally and professionally," she said. "Being in a position where I can represent First Nations people, especially women, across both sport and media is something I am incredibly proud of."

"It is an honour to be trusted by people to share their stories and perspectives. Our voices carry so much history, culture and truth, and it is important those stories are told authentically. When we tell our own stories, we ensure they are shared with integrity, respect and real understanding."

That visibility is not just important, it creates pathways. It shows young people what is possible.

"Behind the scenes, this journey has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding," she said. "Balancing full-time work in sport while building a business I have always dreamed of has required discipline, time management and resilience.

"It has pushed me to grow not only professionally, but personally as well, stepping into different spaces and learning new skills along the way."

However, there have been sacrifices.

"A lot of late nights and early mornings go into keeping my business on track, especially around photo delivery and admin," she said. "I have missed family events and, at times, had to say no to opportunities simply because there are not enough hours in the day. But every sacrifice has been part of building something meaningful."

Despite that, Ms McCabe's commitment to community has never shifted.

Through her role in the NTFL, Ms McCabe sees firsthand the power of sport at a grassroots level. She speaks about the privilege of working alongside clubs across the Top End, including supporting the growth of programs like the Jabiru Bombers, where volunteers continue to drive opportunity in their communities.

She has also witnessed resilience in its truest form.

Following Cyclone Fina, communities in the Tiwi Islands were still able to host a home game just seven days later. With the support of clubs, AFLNT and the wider community, the game went ahead, a reflection of the strength and determination that exists across the Territory.

For Ms McCabe, that impact is also deeply personal.

She grew up around basketball, spending much of her childhood in the sport before moving into refereeing with Darwin Basketball. It gave her structure, discipline and a sense of belonging that continues to shape her today.

"Sport is so much more than just the game. It is connection, belonging and opportunity," she said.

"In many communities, it creates safe spaces, builds relationships and gives young people something to be part of. That is something I have experienced firsthand, and it is why this work matters so much to me."

Ms McCabe represents a new generation of leaders in the Territory.

Leaders who are not waiting to be invited in. Leaders who are building their own platforms, creating opportunities and bringing others along with them.

And she is only just getting started.