Territory Day: Local heroes shine at Territory Hero Awards
TWO individuals and a community group have been named as Territory Hero Award winners for their work in keeping Territorians safe and healthy during the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.
Northern Territory
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TWO individuals and a community group have been named as Territory Hero Award winners for their work in keeping Territorians safe and healthy during the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.
Recipient of the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, Tejinder Singh, spent $20,000 of his savings leading a team to provide 400 meals each day during the peak of the pandemic.
Mr Singh said when the community was hit hard with many losing jobs and a source of income, volunteering his time and money was an easy decision.
“I have enough money to do it so it was an easy decision, money is no matter to me,” he said.
“I want to look after the local community.”
After arriving in Darwin 15 years ago, Mr Singh’s wife Gurpreet Kaur, who worked by his side on the project, said they knew how hard it could be as international residents to survive without a job.
“It’s mainly international students. Their jobs are going and they still have big fees and usually they don’t have savings,” Ms Kaur said.
“We’ve got so many people from single-family incomes and people who have lost their jobs.”
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Community group BayanihaNT received the Neighbourhood Hero award for their work assisting international students and temporary visa holders.
During what was a challenging time for all Territorians, many from the Filipino community were significantly affected with losses of jobs hitting their financial stability and mental health.
The organisation helped provide essential items and promote wellbeing and optimal mental health during what was a challenging period for all.
For youngster Angus Copelin-Walters, it was sewing handmade crafts such as coasters, zimmerframe bags and face masks to cheer up the elderly that won him the Junior Hero category of the Territory Hero Awards.
After finding a passion for sewing, the 10-year-old began making the homewares for some seniors living at nearby retirement villages.
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“I was watching TV and saw homeless people who are struggling and wanted to find a way to help them,” he said.
“One man said he smiled the biggest smile when I gave him the coasters.”
Originally published as Territory Day: Local heroes shine at Territory Hero Awards