2025 has been a very busy and successful in the NT Chapter once again. The Institute has been going through a ‘change’ program throughout 2025 and has been a busy time for both myself and Miriam as President.
EmAGN NT
EmAGN held a series of events in both Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and Darwin plus the EmAGN Co-Chair, Tonielle Dempers, along with Owen Peake and Bobby Bayley (both EmAGN committee) coordinated a regional conference with Regional Association of Architects. The conference attracted over 80 participants from all over Australia. The Institute’s NT Chapter supported the event with partners Allegion and Bondor Metecno. The event included CPD presentations, Partner presentations, breakfast at Olive Pink Botanical Gardens, luncheons and dinners, culminating in CPD presentations by Marnie Reti and Susan Dugdale & Associate at Ormiston Gorge, members camped away the evening at the Gorge to close off a very successful conference.
Other speaker series and events hosted by EmAGN team included:
- Beers with Peers
- RegiFrustration
- Mparntwe Speaker Series x 3
- Cultural Site Visit to the Larrakia Cultural Centre
- Breezway CPD and Pecha Kucha
- Presentation by Tom Huntingford – international student
- Cheers and Chat End of Year held in Alice Springs in conjunction with Engineers Australia, Australian Water Association, Planning Institute of Australia and of course the NT Chapter members of the Australian Institute of Architects
SONA NT
For the first time in a few years, we appointed a SONA representative in 2025, Irene Tsougranis. Although we had some challenges in the NT, student members increased by 5 in 2025, along with hosting Meet and Greets and SuperStudio. We look forward to further participation in 2026 with the appointment of Lindy Burton, Professor of Architecture in April 2025, along with an Associate appointment pending in 2026 who will support the students and encourage participation.
CHAPTER COUNCIL NT
The Chapter Council continues to be active on various committees both nationally and locally:
- Steven Huntingford Registration Board NT
- Lindy Burton, National Education Committee (Nationally)
- Jenny Culgan, Building Advisory Committee
- Miriam Wallace, Housing Working Group
- Andrew Swenson, Housing Committee
- Tonielle Dempers and Paul Bartsch, EmAGN Co-Chairs
- Katy Moir, Heritage Committee NT, Property Council NT, Gender Equity Committee (National)
- Irene Tsougranis
- Karen Relph, NT Business Council
- Flynn Carr, National Practice Committee
- Jo Rees, National Prizes and Honours Committee
In 2026, we will welcome Paul Bartsch who has filled a casual vacancy on the NT Chapter Council, along with elected members Marc Pilla, Andrew Swenson, Jo Rees and Flynn Carr who nominated to continue on Council. It is also with pleasure that I advise Miriam has been reappointed as NT Chapter President for the next 2 years. Congratulations to all. We also farewell Jenny Culgan from the Chapter Council. Jenny was a previous President and previous past President and has contributed greatly to the NT Chapter and she will be missed by members, staff and council members.
Awards and Events in 2025
The NT Chapter Awards were held at the Salt Water Bundilla and Museum and Art Gallery in June 2025. Details of Award winners below:
2 Australian Institute of Architects
2025 Winners
Colorbond® Award for Steel Architecture
– Charles Darwin University DANALA Education and Community Precinct | MODE | Traditional owners: Larrakia
Educational Architecture
– Charles Darwin University DANALA Education and Community Precinct | MODE | Traditional owners: Larrakia
Enduring Architecture
– Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre | Greg Burgess Pty Ltd | Traditional owners: Anangu
Interior Architecture
– The George Chaloupka Award for Interior Architecture | Hames Sharley | Traditional owners: Larrakia
Public Architecture
– Jabiru Health Centre | The Reverend John Flynn Award for Public Architect | Les Platt Architects | Traditional owners: Mirarr
– Akeyulerre Healing Centre | Susan Dugdale & Associates | Traditional owners: Central Arrernte
Sustainable Architecture
– Flurry | Ajar Architects | Traditional owners: Larrakia
2025 Northern Territory Chapter Specific Winners
The Tracy Memorial Award
– Jabiru Health Centre | The Reverend John Flynn Award for Public Architect | Les Platt Architects | Traditional owners: Mirarr
Indigenous Community Architecture
– Akeyulerre Healing Centre | Susan Dugdale & Associates | Traditional owners: Central Arrernte
EMAGN Project Award
– Larrakeyah Passchendaele Refurbishment | GHD Design | Traditional owners: Larrakia
People’s Choice Award
– M & J Office Builders Office Fit Out | Hames Sharley | Traditional owners: Larrakia
Emerging Architect Prize
– Maiya McKenna, RAIA | Rossi Architects
President’s Prize
– Richard Layton FRAIA, Posthumously
Student Prize
– Stephanie Weidlich
National Award Winner – Enduring Architecture
– Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre | Greg Burgess Pty Ltd | Traditional owners: Anangu
Entries are now open for 2026 and close in March 2026. Get your entries in early to avoid disappointment. The NT has a great program planned for the 2026 Awards – stay tuned. We are currently looking for Chair of Jury, Architect Jury Member and Committee Jury Member.
Thank you to our supporting partners for the 2025 Awards. The continued support allows us to provide a unique event in the Northern Territory.
- QS Services
- Gerflor
- Rossi Architects
- Department of Logistics and Infrastructure
- Lysaght (National Partners)
- Alspec (National Partners)
NT Business Council
The NT Chapter Manager continues to represent members and councillors on the NT Business Council with monthly meetings held. The last session included a overview of changes to procurement by newly appointed independent consultant, Tom Harris (previously Civil Contractors). Other meetings included: Department of Business and Trade and Asian Relations, Workforce forums, RBA and more.
Cheers and Chat
The End of Year event ‘Cheers and Chat’ is also a collaborative event hosted at George Brown Gardens Visitor Centre. Over 150 attended this event and was hosted in collaboration with Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Design Institute of Australia, Engineers Australia, National Association of Women in Construction Planning Institute of Australia and supported with partners, Tarkett, NT Tile Gallery, Lysaght and a new sponsor NPG Security. A great night of networking, portrait prize, more prizes and games. Once again, the photo booth was a great hit. See photos here. Ensure you use C&C25 passcode to view photos.
On behalf of the NT Chapter, I wish everyone a very happy festive season and look forward to working with newly appointed Chapter Councillors in 2026, along with EmAGN Co-Chair appointment, Gingi Engloner, who will continue to work with members, stakeholders, partners and national office to continue to advocate for the Architectural profession and practices in the NT.
Please stay safe and here’s to a peaceful 2026.