City of Darwin is pleased to announce the annual Lord Mayoral Award winners, which celebrate the people and community groups driving positive change in accessibility, inclusion and advocacy across the municipality.
The award winners were announced at the DiversAbility Fun Day last week, a free celebration on International Day of People with Disability.
Ben Hankin, a young leader driving meaningful change for people with disability through his lived experiences champions inclusion, accessible information and people's rights, was awarded the Rising Star Award.
Through his work on the NT Disability Advisory Committee and national discussions, he advocates for fair pay, open employment and inclusive decision-making.
Lynne Strathie, a member of the City of Darwin's Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee and a community volunteer, was awarded the Champion Award.
She has spent over 20 years championing inclusion and accessibility in Darwin, and has made a lasting impact on equality, dignity, and opportunities for people with disability.
The Access & Inclusion Team at Charles Darwin University (CDU) have been awarded the Accessibility Innovator Award. Supporting students with disabilities and mental health conditions, the team has created a more inclusive and accessible student experience.
The Free Space Studio, run by Arts Access Darwin, was awarded the Community Impact Award. It is Darwin's only accessible visual arts studio for artists with disability by providing studio space, skills development, mentorship, exhibition opportunities, and access to funding and paid projects.
Lord Mayor, Peter Styles said the awards honour the people and groups who together work on the shared responsibility we all had to create a city where everyone can belong.
"This year we're proud to open the awards to include advocates and teams because inclusion is something we all have a role in supporting, it's something we build together," he said.
City of Darwin has set a bold vision for the future, to be a capital city where inclusivity shapes every space, service and opportunity, building a community where people of all abilities are supported to participate, connect and thrive.
The Lord Mayoral Awards form an important part of this vision, recognising people and groups who are driving positive change, reducing barriers and helping make the city more inclusive and accessible.
2025 award winners
Rising Star Award - Ben Hankin
Ben is a young leader driving meaningful change for people with disability in the Northern Territory. Using his lived experience, he champions inclusion, accessible information and people's rights. As Inclusion Advisor at Inclusion NT, he contributes to Easy English resources, MCs community events and was a finalist in the 2025 NT Disability Inclusion Awards. Through his work on the NT Disability Advisory Committee and national discussions, he advocates for fair pay, open employment and inclusive decision-making.
Champion Award - Lynne Strathie
Lynne Strathie has spent over 20 years championing inclusion and accessibility in Darwin. As a long-term carer, educator, and former Director of Carers NT, she brings experience, compassion, and leadership to her advocacy. Through her work on the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee and community volunteering, Lynne has made a lasting impact on equality, dignity, and opportunities for people with disability.
Accessibility Innovator Award - CDU Access and Inclusion
The Access & Inclusion Team at Charles Darwin University (CDU) is creating a more inclusive and accessible student experience. Supporting students with disabilities, mental health conditions, and learning differences, they provide tailored Access Plans, assistive technology, sensory-friendly spaces, and mobility supports. Key initiatives include the Neurodiversity Hub, Inclusive Language Guidebook, and First Nations outreach.
Community Impact Award - Free Space Studio
The Free Space Studio, run by Arts Access Darwin, is Darwin's only accessible visual arts studio for artists with disability. Established in 2013, it supports 18 local artists by providing studio space, skills development, mentorship, exhibition opportunities, and access to funding and paid projects. The studio also collaborates on public art projects across Darwin, including playground designs, foreshore installations, Lightboxes exhibitions, and community art partnerships, promoting recognition and professional outcomes for artists with disability.
