As the Northern Territory Young Australian of the Year, Ms Ober spent the Australia Day weekend in Canberra rubbing shoulders with the unsung greats of the nation.

Speaking to Ms Ober on Australia Day, the YMCA Katherine youth worker told the Katherine Times the experience was “once in a lifetime”.

She said many people she spoke to were interested in coming to Katherine to help and support the YMCA team.  

“My expectations were just eclipsed and the whole weekend was far and above what I ever hoped it could be,” she said.

“I feel on top of the world right now.

While the Young Australian of the Year honour went to West Australian Drisana Levitzke-Gray, the 25-year-old Ms Ober said the chance to meet so many people and to make new connections was nothing short of inspiring. 

“The recipient [of Young Australian of the Year] was amazing and in just two days, I felt we all became close and got to know one another and make plans,” Ms Ober said.

Now in Darwin for a few days before returning to Katherine, Ms Ober and colleague Tammy Frean will meet with Minister for Young Territorians Peter Styles to discuss plans for the future of youth work in the town. 

“A saying that I love is to see obstacles as opportunities - it’s about seeing things in a different light,” she said.

“I was blown away by even having this opportunity; I feel like the door of opportunities has been pushed wide open for our young people in Katherine.”