Darwin citizen, young citizen and community event of the year announced

INSPIRING people to be active, teaching drones as a tool for today and uniting the community through sport have earnt two Darwin residents and one community group gongs as Citizens of the year

Young Citizen of the YEar Emily Ford helped teach school students to use drones - something she says isn't the way of the future, but the way of the present. Picture: Will Zwar

INSPIRING people to be active, teaching drones as a tool for today and uniting the community through sport have earnt two Darwin residents and one community group gongs as Citizens of the year.

Darwin Young Citizen of the year Emily Ford has immersed herself in the Darwin community, teaching children to fly drones.

MORE STORIES

HEALTHY milkwood safe for now as Gerry Wood replaces hundred year old tree

JETSTAR sales sees flights from Darwin for less than $100

HEAVY rainfall over Darwin and West Arnhem Land

“We’ve been running programs to teach kids how to fly drones and the laws around drones,” she said

“They’re awesome at it … especially if they are into video games but even if they are not they can pick it up so easily, it’s really impressive.”

Ms Wood said drones where an important tool for children to be able to use, preparing for life after school.

“I think drones are a thing of the future, not really the future, the present,” she said.

“They have heaps and heaps of different applications, they’re really relevant to a lot of different industries and I think it’s a growing field.”

Working to unite the community, Elvira Tolentino has been named Darwin Citizen of the year for her work in uniting the Filipino community, organising the Filipino Darwin League of the NT.

NT NEWS special half price subscription deal: Just $3.50 a week*

“We’ve been holding this league for almost 13 years since 07,” she said.

“WE have 14 teams of Filipino but also accept those who have Filipino blood.

“It’s a big honour to be awarded as Darwin citizen of 2020.”

Meanwhile the Darwin Deadly Runners have been named the Community event of the year, with the running club providing a social and healthy outlet through running, including and supporting all members of the community.