The CLP Finocchiaro Government is supporting young Territorians with 21 youths appointed to the 2026 Youth Round Table, providing a direct voice on issues affecting young people across the NT.
Youth Round Table members met in Darwin for their first meeting on the weekend, engaging with Minister Jinson Charls and beginning work on priority topics for the year ahead.
Throughout 2026 members will consult with peers, contribute advice to government and develop leadership skills, continuing a program that has supported more than 450 young Territorians since 1997.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is proud to announce that 21 young Territorians have been appointed to the 2026 Youth Round Table, reaffirming the commitment to ensuring young people have a strong voice on the issues that matter most to them.
The first meeting of the 2026 Youth Round Table was held in Darwin over the weekend, where members met with Minister for Youth, Seniors and Equality Jinson Charls and began work on their priority topics for the year ahead.
"Providing this platform is essential to our community as it allows our future leaders to represent their communities, develop leadership skills and contribute ideas that make a real difference," Mr Charls said.
The Youth Round Table is an advisory body made up of young leaders aged 15 to 25, appointed for a 12‑month term. Members will meet in Darwin four times throughout the year, supported by regular online meetings and community engagement activities.
Ryan Hayward, Chair of the 2026 NT Youth Round Table, shared "our initial discussions identified safe and inclusive spaces as a top priority for young Territorians. The Northern Suburbs Youth Hub is a prime example of the government listening to young people and investing in practical solutions that support safety, wellbeing, and future pathways."
Mr Charls welcomed the Chair's comments, stating "I am incredibly impressed by the insight of our 2026 members and value the impact they are already having on projects like the Northern Suburbs Youth Hub. This facility is being built specifically for our youth, so having the Round Table's input ensures we are delivering exactly what the next generation needs."
The 2026 NT Youth Round Table members are:
Big Rivers: Sonny Raggett
Central Australia: Diva Sree Pant, Naomi Destacamento, Rohin Srivastava, Ryan Hayward
East Arnhem: Grace Stark, Linc Riches‑Murton
Darwin: Ann Mariya Joseph, Ash Huynh, Charlotte Harn, Ciara Manalo‑Knowles, Demelza Gikopoulos, Devansh Sharma, Georgia Ravlich, Jason Ramsamy, Jorja Weribone
Palmerston and Rural Region: Bronson Powell, Rikki Dehne, Schyler Kennedy, Sky Mullen, Zahin Seedat
Since the program began in 1997, more than 450 young Territorians have taken part in the Youth Round Table, discussing and providing insight on issues affecting young people across the NT.
Throughout the year, members will consult with young people in their communities and provide advice to government and community organisations. Participants will also undertake professional development in areas such as media engagement, public speaking and project management.
Applications for the 2027 Round Table will open in late 2026.
