Former Arafura MLA Lawrence Costa farewelled in state funeral in Darwin
The late Arafura MLA Lawrence Costa has been farewelled in an emotional state funeral in Darwin. Read how the community paid tribute to their ‘relentless advocate’.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised this story uses the name and picture of an Indigenous person who has died, with his family’s permission.
A “relentless advocate” for First Nations people, devoted to his family and community in equal measure, has been farewelled.
Hundreds of Territorians gathered to honour the late Tiwi Islands politician Lawrence Costa in an emotional state funeral in Darwin on Wednesday.
The 52-year-old sitting Arafura MLA died suddenly in December.
He left behind his wife Ebony, children Jaunnita and ‘Little’ Lawrence, eight grandchildren and countless other family and friends.
Among those at the St Mary’s Cathedral service were Mr Costa’s former parliamentary colleagues, federal MPs Marion Scrymgour and Luke Gosling and many other Territory dignitaries.
Labor MLAs along with former Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Birrigan Young carried Mr Costa’s casket, draped in the Northern Territory flag, inside the cathedral.
Each pallbearer wore a striped tie of black and yellow, colours that shone throughout the service, symbolising Mr Costa’s love for the Imalu and Richmond Tigers footy teams.
Mr Costa was the Arafura MLA for six years, representing the communities of Tiwi Islands, Maningrida and West Arnhem.
Next to his role as a respected leader, Mr Costa was described by wife Ebony as “an amazing father, best friend, colleague and so much more”.
“In my thoughts and tears I am reminded of just how much he made an impact on all of our lives, especially on those that meant so much to him,” Ebony said in her eulogy.
“He was my soulmate, my inspiration, my best friend that walked beside me through everything we did.
“For someone so private he surely gave and shared so much of himself.
“Lawrence supported and loved us all and was always there to help find a way through life’s challenges.
“He will deeply be missed every day.”
The Tiwi Islands man from Pitjarmirra Outstation, north of Melville Island, held many leadership roles with organisations including the Pirlangimpi Community Government Council, Tiwi Islands Local Government and Tiwi Islands Shire Council.
Mr Costa was also elected as the Jabiru Regional Council deputy chairman and North West Regional Council chairperson.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said Mr Costa was “especially proud” to bring better housing and health services to his electorate.
“Today we celebrate Mr Lawrence Costa and his life of generosity, kindness and compassion,” Ms Fyles said.
“Lawrence, more than anything, wanted to help his constituents.
“Everyone that knew Lawrence knew he was an excellent local member – maybe too good.
“He gave out his phone number to everybody and that meant he’d take calls 24 hours a day.”
Ms Fyles said Mr Costa oversaw the construction of about 700 homes in his electorate.
“He once said, and I quote: ‘We cannot expect people to hold down a job, or go to school on a regular basis if they do not have proper housing facilities’,” she said.
“He transformed the social landscape and improved the lives of thousands of people.
“He was a relentless advocate.”
Alongside moving East Arnhem and Tiwi dance performances, Ms Scrymgour also paid tribute to her close friend.
“We talked every day – that was our usual routine, every morning,” she said.
“I always said to him when we finished conversations, particularly when we talked about his health, that we would all be there to make sure that Ebony, Jaunnita and the family are going to be looked after.
“Because that’s what Tiwis do … we’re a family.
“We will be taking him home because that’s where he was happiest.”
A second private service will be held on Melville Island on Friday.
The Arafura by-election takes place on March 18.
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