NT music school educator awarded prestigious NAIDOC award
A huge congratulations to NT music school’s very own Courtney Bailey, who was awarded this year’s Darwin NAIDOC person of the year.
Courtney is a Darwin-born educator with ancestral ties to Yawuru and Gidja country. Her grandmother was removed as part of what is now known as the stolen generations.
Courtney began her working career in the department’s mailroom in 1997 then as an assistant teacher at Nightcliff Preschool in 1999. While working in this role, she completed her Bachelor of Education through Deakin University and began as a classroom teacher at Karama Primary School in 2010. She later taught in several remote communities, including Nganmarriyanga and Minjilang before joining the NT Music School in 2019.
Courtney is a key member of the NT Music School support team and a proud teacher, host and producer with the VAMPtv team. She liaises with community schools, oversees content and travel, and develops curriculum resources. She also plays a leading role in designing content for the early childhood video series, Rising Star. Her expertise in classroom teaching, deep understanding of early childhood, and knowledge of Indigenous learning styles makes her instrumental in creating high-quality, culturally relevant content.
Courtney’s on-screen presence alongside student hosts has made her a familiar and trusted face across remote Territory schools. Courtney is a constant through VAMPtv - someone students recognise, trust and feel connected to. The first question students often ask is, ‘Where’s Courtney?’.
Through VAMPtv, Courtney delivers a powerful and consistent message to all remote students.
‘You’re valued. You’re clever. You represent. You’re interesting. You’re capable’.
This message aligns beautifully with the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, by nurturing identity, inspiring creativity, and building a legacy where young voices and cultural stories shape the future.
‘I feel very honoured and blessed to be recognised by my own community for such a prestigious award’, said Courtney.
Well done Courtney - an inspiring educator, cultural leader, and proud recipient of the 2025 Darwin NAIDOC person of the year.
