City of Darwin is calling for nominations for the 2026 Lord Mayoral Awards, recognising people and groups who are helping create a more inclusive and accessible Darwin.
Now in their eighth year, the awards recognise individuals with disability who advocate for the rights and wellbeing of people with disability, as well as people and groups whose work is advancing inclusion in the community.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles encouraged the community to recognise people who are making a difference across Darwin.
"The Lord Mayoral Awards are an opportunity to recognise people whose advocacy, commitment and actions are helping make Darwin a more inclusive city," Mr Styles said.
"There are people across our community working every day to reduce barriers, create opportunities and support people with disability to participate fully in community life.
"This year we are also proud to introduce the Support Worker of the Year Award, recognising the dedication, professionalism and care shown by disability support workers and teams across our community.
"Proudly sponsored by Territory Care and Support Services (TCASS), this award honours the legacy of Sharm Bali and recognises the lasting impact of his commitment to person-centred care, inclusion and creating opportunities for people with disability to thrive.
"Support workers play a vital role in helping people achieve their personal goals, build independence and participate fully in community life.
"I encourage people to nominate someone they know who is making a positive difference and help us recognise their contribution," he said.
Four award categories are open for nominations in 2026:
Four award categories are open for nominations in 2026:
- Champion Award: recognises an individual with disability who has made an outstanding contribution advocating for the rights and wellbeing of people with disability.
- Rising Star Award: recognises a person under 25 with disability who is making an ongoing contribution to their school, workplace or community through advocacy.
- Community Impact Award: recognises individuals or groups, with or without disability, whose advocacy, volunteering, activism or community programs have advanced everyday inclusion for people with disability.
- Support Worker of the Year recognises an outstanding paid disability support worker or team who has supported a person with disability to achieve a personal goal. Nominations must be made or endorsed by a person with disability. TCASS supports this award in honour of Sharm Bali's contribution and legacy.
The Support Worker of the Year Award honours the legacy of Sharm Bali, who founded Territory Care and Support Services (TCASS) in 1999. The award recognises Sharm's commitment to person-centred support and creating opportunities for people with disability to have greater choice, independence and inclusion.
"Sharm Bali was the founder of Territory Care and Support Services (TCASS). He was well known for his generosity and compassion," said TCASS Director Keshini Bali Renilson.
"This award, supported by TCASS in his honour, extends his values and the approach that 'everyone could use some help' by recognising the important role of support workers in our community."
Winners will be announced at DiversAbility Fun Day on Thursday 3 December 2026, held in celebration of International Day of People with Disability.
DiversAbility Fun Day is organised by the DiversAbility Collective, a network of organisations from the social service and disability sectors working together to support a more inclusive Darwin, with Dementia Alliance Darwin leading event management in 2026.
Award winners will receive a cash prize, an award and invitations to City of Darwin functions throughout the year.
Nominations can be made for yourself, a friend, family member, colleague or eligible group and close Wednesday 4 November 2026.
