Nurse and diabetes educator Helen Lamech has been named the Northern Territory's 2027 Australian of the Year, ABC News reported on 10 November 2026. The award recognises her work in diabetes care; she has worked in the territory for more than 30 years, including the past decade focused on reducing diabetes rates in Central Australia and improving outcomes for people with the disease. She established Central Australia's first nurse-led diabetes clinic in Alice Springs and travels regularly to remote communities, where diabetes affects up to two in five adults. Ms Lamech estimates she has treated and educated more than 5,000 people and mentored more than 300 health professionals.

Four other Territorians were recognised at the Darwin ceremony. Pat King, 74, was named NT Senior Australian of the Year for volunteer work including support to police as a chaplain. Katherine local Taitt Green, 18, became NT Young Australian of the Year for volunteering with St John Ambulance and the NT Fire and Rescue Service. Salvation Army remote chaplains Majors Niall and Michelle Gibson were named NT Local Heroes.

According to the report, the territory winners were in contention for the national awards planned in Canberra on 25 January.