Published on Thursday, 13 February 2025 at 1:00:18 PM
Katherine Town Council has announced Ethan Woods-Alum as Katherine’s Citizen of the Year after a
review found the initial recipient was ineligible.
Following the announcement of the original award recipient, Karl Kratschmer, a community member
raised concerns about Karl’s eligibility, questioning his citizenship status. An internal compliance
review confirmed that an error had been made on the nomination form.
Mayor Lis Clark, who also served as a judge, emphasised that while Karl undeniably deserved
recognition, the Council had to ensure the award was correctly allocated. Based on the weighted
scoring system, Ethan Woods-Alum had placed second by just one point.
"Council hosts the Citizen of the Year award annually, and while we’ve been advised that similar
situations have occurred in other Australian towns, this is the first time we’ve dealt with an error in the
nomination process.
“Moving forward, we’ll double-check nominees’ citizenship status to ensure this doesn’t happen
again. It’s unfortunate because Karl was a deserving recipient—but so is Ethan."
Ethan was officially presented with the Citizen of the Year award today at a ceremony at the Katherine
Town Council Civic Centre. Following the ceremony, a morning tea celebration with family, friends,
and colleagues was held in the Council Chambers.
About Ethan Woods-Alum
Ethan Woods-Alum has made a profound impact on the Katherine community through his unwavering
commitment to volunteering, youth services, and charitable work.
As a role model for local youth, Ethan dedicates his time to the Youth Drop-In Centre as an event
coordinator and supervisor, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for young people. His
involvement in community events and strong advocacy for child safeguarding further highlight his
dedication to positive social change.
In his role as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer with NTPFES, Ethan demonstrates cultural sensitivity,
leadership, and interpersonal skills while assisting the community in challenging situations. His
engaging presence as the charismatic host of the Junk Festival, an annual celebration of local talent,
has made him a beloved figure in the Katherine community.
Ethan’s selflessness shines through his daily efforts—whether he is feeding those in need, assisting
the elderly, or providing transport for those without access. However, he is best known for organizing
influential youth conferences and events that empower young people to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Through his tireless dedication, Ethan has uplifted vulnerable individuals and inspired youth to create
positive, lasting change, leaving a remarkable legacy in Katherine.
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