2026 NT Performing Arts Awards recipients

Wuyal’s Journey

Wuyal's Journey is a large-scale collaboration commissioned and premiered by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. Co-created by Rirratjingu songman Banula Marika and Composer-in-Residence Netanela Mizrahi over 4 years, the work tells the ancestral Yolngu creation story of Wuyal, the Sugarbag Man.

Premiering at Darwin Festival, the production brought together a 60-piece symphony orchestra, Yolngu musicians and dancers in a powerful exchange of musical and cultural traditions. Through innovative orchestration, choreography and storytelling, the work demonstrated the potential of collaboration between Western classical and First Nations artistic practices.

Alyson Evans

Alyson Evans is a Darwin-based performer, theatre maker and community artist whose practice focuses on cultural development and social change. Throughout her career she has worked with First Nations communities, people with disability, young people, refugee communities and arts organisations across Australia and internationally.

Alyson is nominated for her performance as Effie in Iphigenia in Splott, a demanding one-woman production that required exceptional emotional range, stamina and stage presence. Her commanding performance brought depth and humanity to the work, earning strong recognition from audiences and peers alike.

Amalia Baker

Amalia Baker is an emerging dancer, choreographer and mentor who has made a significant contribution to Darwin's youth dance community. Beginning her dance journey through hip hop, she has expanded her practice across contemporary dance, theatre and choreography.

A member of SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre, Amalia is recognised for her artistic dedication, leadership and willingness to support younger dancers. Through teaching, mentoring and ongoing professional development, she continues to inspire and encourage the next generation of Territory performers.

Netanela Mizrahi

Netanela Mizrahi is a composer, arranger and arts educator whose work spans orchestral music, choir, community arts and cultural collaborations. Over 2 decades she has composed more than 100 works performed nationally and internationally.

As Composer-in-Residence with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, Netanela has developed significant new works that bring together First Nations knowledge, youth participation and contemporary composition. Her work continues to strengthen the Northern Territory’s artistic and cultural landscape.

Brad Fawcett

Brad Fawcett has dedicated more than 20 years to supporting performing and community arts across the Northern Territory. An accomplished sound engineer, lighting designer and production manager, he has worked extensively with artists, festivals and arts organisations throughout the Top End.

Currently based in Katherine, Brad continues to support regional arts development through technical production, mentoring and community engagement while contributing to the growth of performing arts opportunities across remote and regional communities.

Netanela Mizrahi

Netanela Mizrahi is a composer, arranger and educational leader whose work has combined artistic excellence with a long-standing commitment to youth arts development. Over a career spanning more than 2 decades, she has composed more than 100 works for orchestras, choirs and ensembles, with her music performed throughout Australia and internationally.

Through projects with youth choirs, orchestras and schools, Netanela has created opportunities for young people to engage with music, culture and storytelling. Her work developing compositions in Indigenous languages and mentoring emerging musicians has contributed significantly to arts education and cultural exchange across the Northern Territory and beyond.

Hannah Illingworth

Hannah Illingworth is a creative leader, arts strategist and community cultural development practitioner whose work has had a significant impact on the Northern Territory arts sector. As Creative Director and CEO of Darwin Fringe, she has helped transform the festival into one of Northern Australia's leading platforms for emerging, independent and experimental artists.

Through strategic leadership, artist-centred programming and strong industry partnerships, Hannah has expanded opportunities for artists, strengthened audience engagement and contributed to the growth of a vibrant and sustainable arts sector across the Northern Territory.

Gleny Rae

Gleny Rae is an award-winning musician, educator and community leader based in Alice Springs. A multi-instrumentalist and passionate advocate for music education, she has become a central figure in the cultural life of Central Australia through performance, teaching and community engagement.

Through regional tours, school programs, workshops and large-scale community music projects, Gleny has created opportunities for people of all ages to participate in music. Her commitment to inclusion, collaboration and artistic excellence has enriched the performing arts sector across Central Australia.

David McMicken

David McMicken has been a leading figure in Australian and Northern Territory dance for more than 4 decades. As co-founder and Artistic Co-Director of Tracks Dance Company, he has helped shape one of Australia’s most respected community-based dance organisations while fostering opportunities for dancers, choreographers and communities throughout the Territory.

Through innovative choreography, artistic leadership and long-term community partnerships, David has contributed significantly to the development of dance practice in the Northern Territory. His enduring commitment to collaboration, participation and artistic excellence has left a lasting legacy on the Australian performing arts sector.

Anuhas Methnuka Bandara Rathnayake is an emerging Kandyan Dance performer, teacher and cultural leader. Having trained with Lankan Dance Academy for more than 6 years, he has progressed from student to qualified performer and assistant teacher.

Alongside his artistic achievements, Anuhas supports the development of younger dancers through teaching, choreography and production assistance. His dedication to cultural preservation and community engagement has made him an outstanding young contributor to the performing arts sector.