Young Territorians from across the Northern Territory have been selected to represent their peers as the 2026 NT Youth Week Ambassadors, following a competitive recruitment process that attracted interest from every corner of the Territory.
Eleven young people aged between 15 and 25 will take on the ambassadorial roles, helping shape NT Youth Week and giving young Territorians a stronger voice in community life and decision-making.
NT Youth Week, to be held from 2 to 15 April 2026, is the Territory's largest annual celebration of young people, providing opportunities for 12 to 25-year-olds to connect, share ideas and get involved in activities that matter to them.
The successful ambassadors represent regions across the NT, including East Arnhem, Big Rivers, Barkly, Central Australia, Palmerston and rural areas, and Darwin. The group also reflects the Territory's diversity, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, culturally and linguistically diverse young people, and a balanced mix of genders.
The 2026 NT Youth Week Ambassadors are:
Esther StarkJeremy JohnsonEsther KamiTasharnii VollerEsther KlerckHarry MunkaraCharli TrathenAbhineet NirmalArjumand KhanKyrah Tye TupaeaEva Susanto
The ambassador program is delivered by the Office of Youth Affairs within the Department of People, Sport and Culture and is designed to build leadership skills while supporting young people to actively participate in Territory-wide planning and events.
Chief Executive of the Department of People, Sport and Culture, Samantha Livesley, said the program continued to uncover exceptional young leaders across the Territory.
"These young Territorians represent the energy, diversity and future of the Northern Territory," Ms Livesley said.
"They are helping shape Youth Week, promoting positive activities in their communities and ensuring young people's voices are heard where it matters."
Ms Livesley said NT Youth Week was not only about celebration, but about investing in the next generation of leaders.
"NT Youth Week provides a platform for young people to develop confidence, build networks and contribute meaningfully to their communities," she said.
The Northern Territory Government is investing $108,500 in the planning and delivery of NT Youth Week 2026, including support for the ambassador program and community-led, drug and alcohol-free activities across the Territory.
For past ambassadors, the program has been life-changing.
"It was a great way to step outside of my comfort zone and expand my skills. I loved being involved in Youth Week planning and events," said 2025 Ambassador Evannah Stark from East Arnhem.
Darwin-based ambassador Jason Ramsamy said the experience had helped him grow personally and professionally.
"I loved the experience and will cherish the privilege of being a Youth Week Ambassador. I loved learning how to network, collaborate, and provide a voice with an amazing group of people," he said.
Preparations are now underway for hundreds of Youth Week activities, with the full 2026 calendar of events set to be released in late March.
Late last year, the Department of People, Sport and Culture received the Empowering our Communities Award at the Chief Minister's Awards for Excellence in the Public Sector, recognising 25 years of Youth Week in the Northern Territory.
