Darwin’s Tristan Toll and Richard Crookes announced winners of the Lord Mayoral Awards

Two hard working locals have been recognised for their outstanding efforts in supporting people with a disability. See who they are and what they do.

Richard Crookes received the Champion Award for his work in support of stroke survivors and their families. Picture: Harry Brill.

Two locals have been recognised for their outstanding efforts in supporting people with disabilities.

At Territory Netball Stadium on Tuesday morning, Tristan Toll, 19, and Richard Crookes were announced the winners of the annual Lord Mayoral Awards.

The awards aim to recognise people with a disability who make workplaces and community groups more positive.

Richard Crookes received the Champion Award for his efforts in helping stroke survivors and their families. Picture: Harry Brill.

Mr Crookes was awarded the Champion Award for his tireless efforts in improving the lives of stroke survivors and their families.

A stroke survivor himself, Mr Crookes is an advocate for improved accessibility, and has long called for disability ramps at fishing spots and increased wheelchair parking across the Territory.

Additionally, Mr Crookes has a leadership role with fundraising initiative Stride4Stroke.

Tristan Toll receives the Rising Star Award from Councillor Sam Weston. Picture: Harry Brill.

Receiving the Rising Star Award was teenager Tristan Toll, who has channelled his entrepreneurial talents to support people living with a disability.

Mr Toll co-founded a thriving lawn mowing and gardening business for which he is now operations manager, leading a team across more than 150 sites.

Beyond business, Mr Toll also co-designed programs ‘Get Ready to Work’ and ‘Supported Employment, Empowering Disabilities’, which focuses on developing skills and knowledge in the gardening sector, as well as understanding employment rights.

Paulette Bumarda checking out some of the goodies on display at the event. Picture: Harry Brill.

Councillor Sam Weston told the audience he was proud to see the city’s quiet achievers recognised.

“We launched the Mayoral Awards six years ago to provide City of Darwin residents an opportunity to recognise people with a disability who make workplaces, community groups and friendship groups great places to be,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to see it grow every year and I’ve been very impressed with the caliber of entries this year.”

Plenty of familiar faces attended the event. Picture: Harry Brill.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis was unable to attend the event due to illness, but sent his best regards to the winning pair.

“I would like to personally congratulate Richard and Tristan, not just for their award wins, but for their unwavering dedication to supporting people with disabilities in our community,” he said.

“These awards were established to honour individuals with disabilities who have made exceptional contributions to the Darwin community, and Richard and Tristan exemplify this to the fullest.”

For the hundreds who attended the event, the ceremony was capped off with fun, games and plenty of food.

Originally published as Darwin’s Tristan Toll and Richard Crookes announced winners of the Lord Mayoral Awards