Jaiden Dickenson is a proud Warumungu man and Indigenous community leader whose transformative work with young people in remote Northern Territory communities has earned him recognition as the 2026 NT Young Australian of the Year.
As a Youth Diversion Officer with the Tennant Creek Mob, Jaiden works on the frontlines of youth justice, helping young people in Tennant Creek, Ali Curung and Elliott address the trauma that lies at the root of crime and social disorder. His approach combines cultural understanding with deep empathy and a core belief that every young person needs someone in their corner.
The results speak for themselves: Jaiden's work has delivered a significant reduction in youth reoffending rates and supported young people to engage in more positive pathways. Beyond individual outcomes, his mentorship has created a ripple effect, inspiring other young people to step into mentoring roles within their own communities.
As a speaker, Jaiden shares powerful insights into community-led approaches to youth engagement, the importance of cultural connection in building resilience, and what it truly means to believe in young people. His story offers practical inspiration for organisations seeking to create meaningful change through empathy, trust and grassroots leadership.
