Palmerston Australia Day Awards

The Palmerston Australia Day Awards are the highest civic recognition presented to individuals or groups who have made significant and lasting contributions to the Palmerston community. The awards acknowledge outstanding service, leadership and commitment across a range of areas that positively impact local residents assisting to make Palmerston “A Place for People”.

Each year nominees are selected across three categories:

Citizen of the Year
Young Citizen of the Year
Community Event or Group of the Year

View the 2026 Australia Day Award criteria and guidelines here.

Nominations closed Friday, 31 October 2025.

Citizen of the Year Nominees

Swipe through the list of all nominees

Balachander Mohanraj

Balachander has been recognised for his outstanding volunteer contributions to the Palmerston community for over more than 15 years. He has led the annual Good Friday Walk, supported St Vincent De Paul Society, organised Christmas and Boxing Day gatherings and coached youth cricket. His cultural leadership includes lifetime memberships and active involvement in organisations such as the Tamil Society, Telugu associations and Indian Cultural Society, where he promotes inclusivity and celebrates diversity.

Christopher Kimani

Chris has been nominated for his exceptional contribution as a founding member and coach of the Greater Palmerston United Football Club. Named the NT News Best Coach of the Year in 2024, Chris continues to champion the growth of the club and strives for ongoing improvement, with a vision to see it become the leading football club in the Palmerston and Darwin region.

Darrell Ashby

Darrell has been recognised for his dedicated service to the community through volunteer work with St Vincent de Paul. Each day, he ensures that donation bins are clean, safe and well-maintained for community use. He is also acknowledged for his contribution to the Palmerston and Litchfield Seniors Association, including the 50+ Club where he is known for his willingness to help and strong sense of community spirit. His reliability and kindness make him a highly valued and respected volunteer.

Jacob Brant

Jacob has been recognised for his outstanding service and dedication as President of the Palmerston Rugby Union Club. His commitment to the sport extends beyond playing and coaching. Under his guidance, the club has seen improvements to facilities including Moulden Oval which he ensures is safe and assessable to players all year round. His leadership strengthens the club and inspires others to volunteer and contribute.

Janette Ashby

Janette has been acknowledged for her volunteer work with the Palmerston Litchfield Seniors Association and coordination of the 50+ Club. She provides a broad range of programs that bring seniors together and supports their mental, social and physical wellbeing. Her dedication to enriching the lives of older residents is deeply appreciated.

Jennie Copley

Jennie has been an active contributor to the Palmerston community through multiple voluntary roles and ongoing community-building initiatives. For over five years, she has maintained a Street Library in Roseberry whilst volunteering at Darwin Casuarina Lions Club and Bali Pink Ribbon Foundation. Jennie organises home-based fundraising for local and health charities, demonstrating leadership through initiative, consistency and encouragement of others. Her long-term commitment reflects sustained and meaningful community-building efforts that continue year after year.

Valerie Wilkie

Valerie's dedicated and inspiring volunteer contributions has been recognised with her service with the Rotary Club of Litchfield and Palmerston. As club secretary and Project Coordinator for Lift the Lid she led the inaugural event raising awareness and funds for children's mental health. She also coordinated Rotary’s Eat Up Sandwich Making Sunday Sesh helping prepare thousands of lunches for school children in need in particular those in the Drysdale electorate. Valerie also welcomes international school students into her home, offering a safe and supportive environment. Her compassion, leadership and year round service highlight her deep commitment to improving the lives of others in the Palmerston community.

Yvonne Coleman

Yvonne has been nominated for her exceptional level of service across a wide rand of community organisations and events in the Palmerston community. Her contributions with STEPS Training Group, her involvement in International Women's Day, Diversity Day and NAIDOC Week and her ongoing care for the community garden at Harvest Corner reflect her dedication to community growth and connection. Yvonne is a mentor and advocate who supports individuals and represents organisations with pride and care. Her efforts have had a lasting and positive impact on the social and physical wellbeing of the Palmerston community.

Nicolle Shoobridge

Nicolle has demonstrated an unwavering, long-term commitment to the Palmerston community through her volunteer service with St John Ambulance NT since 2018. Over the past seven years, she has been a consistent and dedicated presence steadily supporting, mentoring, and nurturing young people through the Farrar Youth Division. Through this work, she has built a safe and welcoming environment where every young person regardless of their background, ability, or circumstances is treated with dignity and kindness.

She leads engaging, inclusive training sessions for youth aged 8 to 17 and personally cooks a hearty meal for the group, ensuring they are cared for in every sense. Nicolle also supports fundraising for St John, the Cancer Council, and other local causes, organising bake sales and community drives to give back. Her efforts are not about recognition they’re about uplifting others.

Young Citizen of the Year Nominees

Joshua Harrington

Joshua has been nominated for his dedication volunteering with St John Ambulance since 2019. Now a senior youth member of the Farrar Division, he provides high quality first aid at public events, supports youth training and mentors young cadets with care and professionalism. Joshua’s leadership is evident in his role as Secretariat for the St John NT Youth Round Table, ensuring youth voices are heard across the organisation. He played a key role in securing victory at the 2024 National St John Youth Championships and regularly steps up to support both youth and adults during camps and events. His calm, reliable presence and inclusive leadership have made a lasting impact on Palmerston’s safety, youth development and volunteer culture.

Tomiko Sariago

Tomiko has been recognised for her consistent and impactful contributions to Riding for the Disabled Top End over the last three (3) years. Her commitment has seen her grow into supervisory role where she now supports and educates new volunteers, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. Currently undertaking coaching accreditation, Tomiko plays a key role in building confidence and skills in children and adults living with intellectual, physical, sensory and learning disabilities. Her compassionate approach and leadership continue to make a meaningful difference to the lives of the participants.

Community Event or Group of the Year Nominees

Gujarati Cultural Association of Darwin Inc.- The Navratri Festival

Gujarati Cultural Association of Darwin Inc has been nominated for its Navratri Festival, held on 27–28 September at the Palmerston Recreation Centre. Navratri is a significant Indian festival that honours the power and grace of Goddess Durga, celebrating women’s strength and importance in society. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and across the globe. This vibrant event brought together approximately 400 attendees, uniting the community in celebration of a culturally significant tradition.

Palmerston Carpet Bowls

Palmerston Carpet Bowls has been nominated for its weekly bowls competition held at the Palmerston Recreation Centre. This long-standing social group provides seniors with opportunities for physical activity while supporting mental well-being. It brings together new and existing residents, including those who may be feeling isolated, recently retired, or seeking to connect locally. Running for over 40 years, the group consistently attracts approximately 25 members, fostering friendship, connection and community spirit.

Riding for the Disabled Association Top End

Riding for the Disabled Association Top End is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing safe and supportive equestrian experiences for people with disabilities. Operating for more than 20 years, the program supports 20 regular riders and 96 Saddle Up participants, helping improve physical health, confidence and social-emotional wellbeing. Riders experience life-changing moments, such as non-verbal children speaking to their horses for the first time and gain pride and independence through riding.

St John Ambulance NT

St John Ambulance NT’s Farrar Youth Division has been nominated for its outstanding work in developing young people aged 8–17 through first aid training, leadership development and community service. Led by passionate volunteers, the division goes extends learning beyond weekly training by attending public events including sports games, festivals and community activities. With 15 active members, Farrar Youth Division’s mission is simple yet powerful: to grow confident, capable young people who care for others.

The Tamil Society of the Northern Territory.jpg

The Tamil Society of the Northern Territory - The Indian Food Festival

The Tamil Society NT Inc. has been nominated for its Indian Food Festival held at Goyder Square on 2 August 2025. The festival promotes Tamil language, culture and traditions whilst welcoming people of all backgrounds to connect, learn and participate in culture exchange. The 2025 event attracted over 8,000 attendees making it one of Palmerston’s largest multicultural gatherings.

Palmerston Australia Day Awards

Citizen of the Year Nominees

Balachander Mohanraj

Christopher Kimani

Darrell Ashby

Jacob Brant

Janette Ashby

Jennie Copley

Valerie Wilkie

Yvonne Coleman

Nicolle Shoobridge

Young Citizen of the Year Nominees

Joshua Harrington

Tomiko Sariago

Community Event or Group of the Year Nominees

Gujarati Cultural Association of Darwin Inc.- The Navratri Festival

Palmerston Carpet Bowls

Riding for the Disabled Association Top End

St John Ambulance NT

The Tamil Society of the Northern Territory - The Indian Food Festival

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