PAK CEO wins 2025 NT Award

KARAN HAYWARD

CEO Papulu Apparr-kari Aboriginal Corporation (The Language Center)

2025 NT AWARD WINNER

About Karan Hayward, MAICD

Karan is the current CEO of the Language Center and has held that position for over 30 years. She has seen the corporation come from small beginnings of fighting for every dollar to now be the recipient of millions of dollars of funding.

Karan has led many committees and boards over the past 40 years, as chairperson of the Barkly Region Chamber of Commerce, Barkly Bush fire council, Patta TC Council Local Authority, Barkly Region Alcohol reference group and many more. Was appointed to the Barkly Shire Council as Alderman. Nominated for local hero Australia Day awards NT in 2018.

Improving herself and those around her is ongoing and always training/studying to obtain better skills to lead her team and organisation to be better and service her community. Her management qualifications are numerous. Project management, governance, financial, policy and procedures are areas she strives to maintain at a high quality.

Celebrating Karan: The impact of her work

“With this Award, we honour Karan Hayward’s lifelong commitment to empowering Indigenous people in the Barkly and Tennant Creek regions.

Described as a ‘pillar’ of the community, her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to cultural preservation, education, and economic development are truly commendable. Karan’s tireless efforts in preserving Indigenous languages, repatriating stolen remains and culturally significant items, and advocating for cultural heritage demonstrate her profound care for future generations.

Through initiatives that uplift voices, foster resilience, and celebrate heritage, Karan embodies the essence of excellence in leadership. We are proud to recognise her achievements and look forward to the continued impact of her remarkable work.” Says General Manager of Women & Leadership Australia, Karen Surmon. - https://www.wla.edu.au/award-winners/karan-hayward/