Humble NT heroes recognised with top medals for decades of frontline service
Seven emergency workers have received the Northern Territory's highest service medals, with recipients insisting they were "simply doing their jobs" despite being called heroes.
They were labelled heroes on Thursday evening, but the emergency workers receiving the Northern Territory’s highest service medals insisted they were simply doing their jobs.
The Administrator’s Medal Awards recognised members of the NT Police Force and NT Fire and Emergency Services for their commitment to serving communities across the Northern Territory, from Darwin to some of the Territory’s most isolated outposts.
The recipients – four from NT Police and three from NTFES – received their awards from His Honour the Honourable Hugh Heggie AO PSM, who was presenting the honours for the last time before the conclusion of his term on January 30, 2026.
Nhulunbuy Police Station Senior Constable Csaba Boja, who has served communities across the NT for more than 21 years, said he felt “very privileged and honoured” to receive the Administrator’s Medal for Police Officer of the Year.
“When I got a call from the commissioner, I just about fell over,” he joked.
“I’ve dedicated half my life to the service, so to have it finally recognised is a huge honour.”
Senior Aboriginal community Police Officer at Casuarina Police Station, Brian Stanislaus, said it felt great to receive the ACPO award after 20 years of service, but noted “it’s not about getting awards; it’s about doing your job and helping the community”.
He said being born and bred in the NT was what helped him on the job, and encouraged aspiring Aboriginal police officers to sign on.
“It’s good money, good security for your family, good housing – why not join?” he said.
School-based Senior Police Auxiliary Heidi-Marie Lehmann, previously recognised through 13 nominations from 18 years of service, said winning the Administrator’s Medal for Police Auxiliary of the Year came as a shock and felt “overwhelming”.
“Even to get nominated is a blessing,” she said.
“I’m glad someone thought I was doing my job well enough to be nominated for it, so it’s an absolute honour.”
Galiwinku Police Station Aboriginal Liaison Officer Zelda Dhamarrandji, winner of this year’s Administrators Medal for ALO of the Year, said she was “a bit nervous, but really excited for it”.
“When I first heard I’d won, I was over the moon,” she said.
“It’s the biggest award I’ve received in my life.”
NT Emergency Services Unit Officer Jonathan Wright, who received the Emergency Service Employee or Volunteer of the Year, said he felt “nonplussed” to win the award, because he “didn’t know anyone had nominated me”.
“I got a phone call from the commissioner telling me I was an award recipient; I thought that was pretty cool,” he said.
“But this is a team effort, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the team that I’ve been privileged to lead.”
Nhulunbuy-based Fire Auxiliary Captain Carly Smith, recipient of the Auxiliary or Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Award, said it was “pretty special” to be recognised with an award because “we don’t do it for that reason”.
She said it was “critical” that remote volunteers were recognised for their work, given “without them, we wouldn’t have the services we do; it’s really important”.
Senior Firefighter Michael Hamilton, recipient of Career Firefighter of the Year, was also recognised for his leadership and commitment throughout his 16-year career.
His career spans his role as lead instructor for firefighter recruit training as well as his significant contribution to mental health advocacy through the Are You Triple OK? campaign.
His award was accepted on his behalf by his wife, Anna, and their sons.
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Originally published as Humble NT heroes recognised with top medals for decades of frontline service
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