Nicky’s plan to inspire others through skateboarding
The Northern Territory’s first accredited Indigenous skateboarder has been awarded a prestigious fellowship to connect First Nations communities through skateboarding in Canada.
Nicky “Skateboard” Hayes, an Eastern Arrernte man from Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa), a remote Aboriginal community about 80 kilometres southeast of Mparntwe (Alice Springs), is not only a passionate skateboarder, but also youth advocate, and founder of Spinifex Skateboards, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering young people through skateboarding.
With over 28 years of skateboarding experience, he has used the sport not only as a personal passion but as a powerful way to inspire, connect, and uplift First Nations youth.
Before fully committing to Spinifex in 2023, he worked as a youth worker for more than seven years, building strong relationships within community settings.
Nicky founded Spinifex Skateboards in 2018. The company runs regular skateboarding workshops across the Territory, fostering creativity, confidence, and cultural pride.
In 2020, he led the First Nations Skate Tour, taking young people from Ltyentye Apurte to Brisbane—a groundbreaking event for my community.
His work has been recognised with the NT Human Rights Award (The Fitzgeralds) and a NAIDOC Sports Award, reflecting contribution to youth development and Indigenous representation in sport.
Cultural exchange
“My vision extends beyond skateboarding,” Nicky says on churchilltrust.com.au ”
“Through culturally relevant branding and storytelling, Spinifex Skateboards connects with youth culture nationwide and internationally.”
The brand is now stocked across most States and Territories, and I aspire to build deeper connections with First Nations communities globally.
“I am committed to using skateboarding as a tool for healing, leadership, and cultural exchange—both in Australia and on the international stage,” he said.
The Churchill Fellows’ Association NT is an incorporated association that encourages fellowship support for members to travel, learn nationally and globally and assist on humanitarian causes.
