Peter Susanto (OH 2021) has never under-estimated the value of hard work. Neither has he overlooked the importance of remaining humble and helping the people around him. Those traits and his commitment to helping to build strong and inclusive communities in his hometown of Darwin have earned Peter the prestigious 2024 NT Young Australian of the Year accolade.
Graduating as Dux of Haileybury Rendall School in 2021 with an exceptional ATAR despite being the youngest in his cohort, he is now pursuing a Bachelor of Clinical Science at Charles Darwin University. Inspired partly by Dr Albert Foreman, his family doctor, who is one of the country’s oldest practising physicians at the age of 93, and Peter’s own passion for neuroscience, Peter aims to pursue a career in medicine, focusing on neurology and radiology. His upbringing in a supportive family and the Darwin community has heavily influenced his dedication to helping others.
Throughout his schooling at Haileybury Rendall School, Peter made the most of every opportunity available including representing the School in swimming, speaking at special events including Reconciliation Day and Harmony Day, and entering numerous competitions. He even went on to become the NT’s first national champion in the Australian Brain Bee Challenge, a neuroscience competition.
Despite his busy schedule, he continues his community involvement, swimming for Nightcliff Swimming Club and raising funds for charity with his sister Eva (Year 12). “Every Sunday evening since 2015, Eva and I have raised funds for a different charity by selling our grandma’s delicious Indonesian snacks on the Nightcliff Foreshore,” said Peter.
If you find yourself in Darwin, we recommend a visit to the market.