Young writers from across the Northern Territory have showcased their creativity and storytelling talent in the 2025 Young Territory Author Awards.  

Faye Yik, 14 years-old, was crowned the 2025 Young Territory Author Award Overall winner for their book, ‘A Prince and a Princess Against the World’, at the official awards ceremony earlier this week.  
 
The judges commended Faye’s storytelling, stating they had “created something truly special", noting her ability to create characters readers genuinely cared about and weave multiple storylines seamlessly.  

This year's 35th anniversary awards received a record-breaking 213 entries. Launched by City of Darwin Libraries in 1991, the awards give the young authors the unique opportunity to write and produce their own book, develop their skills and gain national recognition. 

Lord Mayor Peter Styles congratulated all the winners and entrants for their creativity and passion. 

“The Young Territory Author Awards celebrate the talent and creativity of our young Northern Territory writers,” Mr Styles said. 
 
“Every story shows a unique perspective and gives us a glimpse into how our young people see the world. By supporting and encouraging their creativity today, we’re helping to nurture the storytellers and thinkers who will shape our future.” 
 
“Thank you to the judges for their work, and to all participants; your ideas and effort help keep this much-loved territory tradition alive,” he said. 

Wednesday's night’s presentation also featured a special appearance from Jacinta Stanford, the visionary who founded the Award. She shared the inspiring story of the very first Young Territory Author, a moment that sparked an idea and grew into the community celebration it has become today. 

The Variety NT YTAA Runner Up Award went to Marlah Scobie-Webb for her book ‘Behind Hands That Hurt’, with judges describing it as ‘a powerful piece of work” with a crafted narrative that kept the reader hooked. 

The School Winner Award went to Matisse Gotts and Bridget Wang from Milkwood Steiner for their book ‘The Disaster’, with judges noting the characters adventures were so realistic, and “the message about being croc-wise is such an important one for us here in the territory”. 

The Darwin Regional Award winner, sponsored by The Bookshop Darwin, was Angela Koh, for their book ‘A world Without Imagination’. Judges noted the book captured the anxiety every teenager would feel if the internet suddenly disappeared and loved the imaginative approach and drawings. 

Thank you to judges Lyrella Couzens, Ifa Shiddiq, Jemina Fernandes and Barry Jonsberg.   
 

The 2025 Young Territory Author Award winners: 

• 2025 Overall Winner: Faye Yik, Book: A Prince and a Princess Against the World 

• Variety NT YTAA Runner Up: Marlah Scobie-Webb, Book: Behind Hands That Hurt 

• CBCA NT Branch WOW Award: Esther Alice Manuel, Book: Darwin Delicious Delight 

• School Winner: Matisse Gotts & Bridget Wang from Milkwood Steiner, Book: The Disaster 

• Age 8 and under: 

  • Winner: Okith Sejan Gunawardana, Book: My Amazing Rocket Ship Adventure… 

  • Highly Commended: Sebastian and Nicoletta Thorbjornsen, Book: Straw-Boy and Sebastian’s back-yard adventure! 

  • Encouragement Award: Angela Oriowo, Book: Whiskers of Doom 

• Age 9 to 12: 

  • Winner: Saanvi Roopan, Book: I Can Hear You: A Suspense Diary 

  • Highly Commended: Thanigaiyan Kugappiriyan, Book: I’m Not Fast Enough Yet But I Will Be… 

  • Encouragement Award: Harvey Sciglitano, Book: Boomerang Food! 

• Age 13 to 15: 

  • Winner: Aiden Hoult, Book: Beneath the Surface 

  • Highly Commended: Amy Devlin-Aylott, Book: Chasing Shadows 

  • Encouragement Award: Zaeem Jahan, Book: Shooting Star 
     

• Age 16 to 18: 

  • Winner: Sarina Quadri, Book: Who Stole the Thesis 

  • Highly Commended: Zoe Jo Francis, Book: Six O’clock Updates 

  • Encouragement Award: Sylvia Harkin, Book: Paws 
     

• Regional Winners: 

  • Darwin: Angela Koh, Book: A world without imagination 

  • Alice Springs: Emma Chicatun, Book: The Letter K 

  • Katherine: Lara Venter, Book: The Ugly Toad and the Spiky Echidna

  • Litchfield: Sebastian and Nicoletta Thorbjornsen, Book: Straw-Boy and Sebastian’s back-yard adventure! 

  • Palmerston: Saanvi Shapkota, Book: The Day I Brought My Little Brother Home 

  • East Arnhem: Cassidy Boja, Book: One Day