The Northern Territory’s 2026 Young Australian of the Year allegedly assaulted an adult female relative in a remote community less than a month after winning the award.
Jaiden Dickenson, 18, from the aboriginal crime-ravaged town of Tennant Creek, was described as a “beacon of hope and resilience for young people” in a profile on the Australian of the Year website celebrating his achievements helping to prevent young indigenous criminals from re-offending.
But last week he was arrested and charged with two counts of domestic violence-related aggravated assault himself, and the NT News reported he has now requested to withdraw from the national selection process.
Dickenson’s alleged victim did not need medical treatment, and he was granted bail to face Tennant Creek Local Court on January 13 next year.
His Australian of the Year profile praised him for his work as a Mob Youth Diversion officer, saying he “helps young people address the trauma at the root of crime and social disorder by taking responsibility for their behaviour, overcoming their personal challenges and moving towards rehabilitation”.
“Jaiden’s approach is grounded in empathy, cultural understanding and the belief that every young person needs someone to believe in them. His work has led to a significant reduction in the number of youth re-offending and supported engagement in more positive pathways,” the profile stated.
“In mentoring young people, Jaiden’s influence has created a ripple effect, empowering other young people to also take up roles as mentors within the Tennant Creek Mob.”
Last month he told NITV that kids in the troubled town saw him as a role model.
“Most of the kids in the community are looking up to me and they keep saying I want to be like that, I want to be like Jaiden,” he said.
Header image: Left, Jaiden Dickenson. Right, receiving his award (Salty Dingo).
