Communities for Children Katherine Region

30/10/2026

29/10/2026

🍎✨ World Teachers’ Day | Friday 30 October ✨🍎

This World Teachers’ Day, we’re invited to Shine a light on Australia’s incredible teachers who inspire, support and empower our children and young people every day. 💡

From those unforgettable lightbulb moments to the encouragement that helps a young person find their way, teachers make a difference in so many ways, both big and small.

💛 We’d love to hear from you! 💛
Share a moment when a teacher made a difference in your life, or give a shout-out to a teacher who deserves to be celebrated.

Let’s shine a light on the amazing work our teachers do! 🌟

29/10/2026

Let’s celebrate Children’s Week together! 🌈🎉

Families are invited to join 54 Reasons for a special Children’s Week Celebration.

📅 Friday 30 October
⏰ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
🍓 Bring a plate to share!

Come along, connect with other families and enjoy a morning celebrating the little people who bring so much joy to our community. 💛

28/10/2026

Training Opportunity: Young and Wise webinar.

What happens when you ask young people directly about the systems shaping their lives?
Join ARACY for a Young and Wise webinar, led by the young people who shaped the findings.
Date 29th October 2026 | 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm AEDT | Online

In Young and Wise Series 2, 53 young people aged 10 to 25 told us what shapes their wellbeing, and where systems are and aren’t working for them. They came from five priority communities: rural, regional and remote; LGBTIQA+; culturally and linguistically diverse; neurodivergent; and First Nations.

We also asked young people about the adults who care for them. ARACY and Parenting Research Centre (PRC) then read their answers alongside PRC's Parenting Today survey of more than 10,000 parents and carers. Together, they offer a two-way view of family wellbeing. The findings reveal a pattern of reciprocal concern, and some surprising differences in what parents and young people think matters most.

Hear from Young and Wise panellists and PRC as we unpack the findings through The Nest. We'll explore what this emerging work tells us, and what creating space for dialogue between parents and young people could mean for family-centred supports, services, research and policy.

REGISTER: ab03fe09-b54e-4d13-b21f-ce683af3d655@486f2bc3-1b04-465b-b923-d28832372a86?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ab03fe09-b54e-4d13-b21f-ce683af3d655@486f2bc3-1b04-465b-b923-d28832372a86?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog

Can’t make it on the day? Register anyway, and we’ll send you the recording.

27/10/2026

I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be named as one of the Northern Territory nominees for the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards, in the Australia's Local Hero category.

The Katherine floods earlier this year showed me what true mateship and community spirit are all about. I witnessed people come together, put others before themselves and lend a hand without expecting anything in return.

I've always believed that true leadership is about lifting others up, and that anybody can be a local hero. You don't need a title or recognition to make a difference. Sometimes, it's simply about doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching.

This nomination may have my name on it, but I share it with my team at Hockey's Northern Services, my family and the hundreds of volunteers, businesses, emergency services and everyday people who stood together for Katherine.

I would also like to congratulate all the other incredible Northern Territory nominees.

🏆 Australian of the Year

- Byron Davis – First Nations employment advocate
- Dr Joel Liddle – Indigenous language waymaker
- Helen Lamech – Diabetes educator
- Jason Lord – Founder, Arrernte Community Boxing Academy

🏆 Senior Australian of the Year

- Joyce Chin – Pioneering female educator
- Charles Gunabarra OAM – Aboriginal health leader
- Dr Samuel Heard OAM – Health record innovator
- Patricia King – Volunteer chaplain

🏆 Young Australian of the Year

- Elise Thornthwaite – Early childhood educator
- Jules Gabor – Youth advocate
- Naomi Destacamento – Youth health and wellbeing advocate
- Taitt Green – Volunteer first responder

🏆 Australia's Local Hero

- Jason Bonson – First Nations men's health leader
- Majors Niall and Michelle Gibson – Rural and remote chaplains
- Trent de With – Community leader

Congratulations to every nominee. It is an honour to be recognised alongside people who are making such meaningful contributions to communities across the Northern Territory.

If there's one thing I've learnt through my own experiences, particularly during the Katherine floods, it's that the greatest difference we can make comes from standing together, looking out for one another and being willing to lend a hand when it's needed most.

Because at the end of the day, mateship isn't just a word. It's the way we should live.

Thank you, Katherine.
- Ben Hockey

📺 NT Australian of the Year Awards
Monday, 9 November 2026 | 5:45 pm ACST

🌐 australianoftheyear.com.au

27/10/2026

Looking for something fun to do on Fridays with your little one? 🧸🌈

54 Reasons Play2Learn is open every Friday during school terms!

📅 Every Friday
⏰ 9:30 am – 11:30 am
👶 For children aged 0–5 years

Come along for a morning of play, connection and fun! 💛

27/10/2026

HELP RECOGNISE A CHANGEMAKER - ONE WEEK TO GO - NOMINATE NOW - http://eepurl.com/y-HheqQTx7

26/10/2026

What happens when you ask young people directly about the systems shaping their lives?
Join ARACY for a Young and Wise webinar, led by the young people who shaped the findings.
Date 29th October 2026 | 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm AEDT | Online

In Young and Wise Series 2, 53 young people aged 10 to 25 told us what shapes their wellbeing, and where systems are and aren’t working for them. They came from five priority communities: rural, regional and remote; LGBTIQA+; culturally and linguistically diverse; neurodivergent; and First Nations.

We also asked young people about the adults who care for them. ARACY and Parenting Research Centre (PRC) then read their answers alongside PRC's Parenting Today survey of more than 10,000 parents and carers. Together, they offer a two-way view of family wellbeing. The findings reveal a pattern of reciprocal concern, and some surprising differences in what parents and young people think matters most.

Hear from Young and Wise panellists and PRC as we unpack the findings through The Nest. We'll explore what this emerging work tells us, and what creating space for dialogue between parents and young people could mean for family-centred supports, services, research and policy.

REGISTER: ab03fe09-b54e-4d13-b21f-ce683af3d655@486f2bc3-1b04-465b-b923-d28832372a86?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ab03fe09-b54e-4d13-b21f-ce683af3d655@486f2bc3-1b04-465b-b923-d28832372a86?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog

Can’t make it on the day? Register anyway, and we’ll send you the recording.

22/10/2026

Congratulations Daphne! 🥰👨🏾‍🎓 ❤️💛🖤

PROUD IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT! 🌟🎓

Today, our very own Daphne Mundul uploaded her final assignment, completing the last 200 points needed towards her NTCET! ❤️🖤💛

Daphne is about to make history as the FIRST STUDENT EVER to achieve their Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCET) at Barunga School! 🥹🎉

This incredible achievement is the result of Daphne’s hard work, determination and commitment to her education. She has worked tirelessly with the NT School of Distance Education to study, complete assignments and work towards her goals. Along the way, she has also completed multiple VET courses to help her reach the 200 points needed to achieve her NTCET.

Daphne, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. You are paving the way for future students and showing what is possible with dedication, perseverance and a willingness to keep learning. Your achievement is something our entire school and community can celebrate! ❤️

Daphne, her family and her classmates will have official celebrations when they attend the NTSDE awards and graduation in Darwin in a month's time. What a celebration that will be!

Daphne, you are making history, and we couldn't be prouder! 🖤💛

20/10/2026

Regional Development Australia Northern Territory are hosting a free Big Rivers Region in Focus event.