CDU students show the way for other young Territorians

Two Charles Darwin University (CDU) students who are passionate about contributing to their community are paving the way for other young Territorians to make a difference. 

Ashleigh Dawe, 21 and Peter Susanto, 17 are two of six Ambassadors for the Northern Territory Youth Week, a week designed to bring young Territorians together to have fun, express ideas around engaging youth and raise concerns about issues that matter to them. 

For Ms Dawe, who is studying a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Occupational Therapy, the idea of community connection is important having moved from Adelaide to the NT three years ago to work on a remote cattle station. 

“After my gap year I moved to Darwin to begin my studies at CDU, I didn’t know anyone here, so it was a big challenge, but I made connections with other like-minded people,” Ms Dawe said.

“One of the best things about the Territory is that a lot of people have moved here from different places, so everyone is in the same boat wanting to make friends and these friends become family,” she said. 

Ms Dawe is passionate about helping rural youth, currently working as a governess educating station children, but once she completes her studies she would like to become a pediatric occupational therapist. 

“I have always loved working with young people, so the thought of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist and helping kids and parents is a dream come true,” Ms Dawe said. 

“Once I have finished my studies, I would really like to get a job that involves remote outreach. Having lived in remote areas, I am passionate about providing support to community members and helping young Territorians to succeed.”

For Darwin local Mr Susanto, who is in his third year of the Northern Territory Medical Program, advocating for community development especially is one of his many passions. 

“We know right now that there is a shortage of doctors here in the Territory. I am a strong believer that having local doctors who understand the intricacies of the Territory will benefit the community, so I want to encourage more young people to get into the field of medicine,” Mr Susanto said. 

Mr Susanto was recognised for his community contributions by being awarded the prestigious title of 2024 NT Young Australian of the Year. He also competed in the International Brain Bee neuroscience competition in 2021 becoming Australia’s first medallist in this competition since 2015.

He is also keen to develop Darwin into a more vibrant and connected city, advocating for an increase in access to green areas to foster a friendly and community-connected environment.

“I hope my journey will inspire other young Territorians to recognise their potential and ability to make a significant impact on their communities,” Mr Susanto said. 

As NT Youth Week Ambassadors, Ms Dawe and Mr Susanto attended activities and connected with their local community. 

According to Mr Susanto, the key topics on the mind of young Territorians include education, community connection, health and the economy.

“I have had some really great conversations with others around education and how it can be tricky managing studying with the cost of living especially at the moment,” Mr Susanto said. 

“We also spoke about ways to enhance community connections and how more young people can find employment; this is a big issue on the minds of young Territorians.”

NT Youth Week is the Territory’s largest celebration of young people, with hundreds of activities and events happening across the Territory. 

This year’s theme was ‘Aspire to Inspire: Celebrating Territory Spirit’, a collective call to action to contribute to a positive future in the Territory, while celebrating the uniqueness and diversity that make the Territory a special place to live, work and play. 

Throughout the week, young Territorians are encouraged to attend a range of events including youth conferences, sport, art and music workshops, and other fun activities to encourage connections.