Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) has announced Karan Hayward, CEO of Papulu Apparr-Kari Aboriginal Corporation (The Language Center), as the 2025 NT Award recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women's Leadership.
The Awards were created by Women & Leadership Australia in 2014 to honour women leaders nominated by the public for their outstanding contribution and lasting impact across business, government, and community in delivering positive outcomes for women, girls or other groups facing disadvantage.
Ms Hayward has served as chief executive of the Language Center for more than 30 years.
She has led many committees and boards over the past 40 years, as chairperson of the Barkly Region Chamber of Commerce, Barkly Bush fire council, Patta TC Council Local Authority, Barkly Region Alcohol reference group and many more. She was appointed to the Barkly Shire Council as Alderman and in 2018 was nominated for a local hero January 26 award for the NT.
"I am so honoured to be the recipient of this award," Mr Hayward said on Tuesday morning.
"I believe we are here to ensure we leave a better world than the one we came into. As a mother of Torres Strait Islander /Indigenous children I strive to ensure they all have the education and knowledge to survive and be leaders of our people in the future.
"My ambition and aspiration are to ensure that our children live in a safe environment with economic development and independence, to enable them to obtain employment and to learn both ways to be strong and to still speak our languages in the future."
Women & Leadership Australia general manager Karen Surmon said the award honours Ms Hayward's "lifelong commitment to empowering Indigenous people in the Barkly and Tennant Creek regions".
"Described as a 'pillar' of the community, her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to cultural preservation, education, and economic development are truly commendable. Karan's tireless efforts in preserving Indigenous languages, repatriating stolen remains and culturally significant items, and advocating for cultural heritage demonstrate her profound care for future generations," Ms Surmon said.
"Through initiatives that uplift voices, foster resilience, and celebrate heritage, Karan embodies the essence of excellence in leadership. We are proud to recognise her achievements and look forward to the continued impact of her remarkable work."
Along with Ms Hayward as the NT winner, Women & Leadership Australia has also today announced the national, state and territory award recipients including: Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM (NATIONAL), Australia's Former Chief Scientist; Heidi Yates (ACT) Change Leader, Strategist, Human Rights Lawyer; Linda Burney MP (NSW), Member for Barton; Karan Hayward GAICD (NT), CEO of Papulu Apparr-Kari Aboriginal Corporation; Anja Christoffersen (QLD), Disability Advocate and Social Entrepreneur; CEO of the Women with Disabilities Entrepreneur Network (WDEN); Dr. Manasi Murthy Mittinty (SA), Senior Lecturer; Speaker & Author; Founder CHERISH; Associate Professor Justine Shaw (TAS), Founder of Homeward Bound; Conservation Scientist & Advocate for equity in STEM; and Suzie Betts (VIC) Founder of Boob Armour.
Previous Award recipients have included The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, Christine Holgate, Sam Kerr, Magda Szubanski, Janine Allis, Prof Dr Marcia Langton, Rochelle Courtenay, and The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO.
Ms Hayward GAICD will accept her award at The Inspired Leadership Series – NT, held online on September 5.
