Long time cricket club volunteer named citizen of the year at annual awards

A long serving cricket volunteer and a youth advocate for mental health and equal opportunity, among those recognised at the Citizen of the Year Awards.

A long-serving cricket volunteer, a youth advocate for mental health and equal opportunity, and a community activity promoting Vietnamese culture have been recognised at Darwin’s Citizen of the Year Awards.

John Gregory Tate took was recognised as the Citizen of the Year at the awards ceremony, held at the Darwin Civic Centre, for his decades long commitment to the Nightcliff Cricket Club.

Over the years Mr Tate has been a driving force behind securing sponsors for the club, coaching the women’s team, umpiring for the NT Cricket Association as well as being the head curator in charge of preparing the ground and pitch for matches.

Mr Tate said he was proud to have received the award and it was thanks to his family he found himself involved in giving back to the community.

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis with Citizen of the Year Award winner John Gregory Tate. Picture: Supplied (City of Darwin)

“Listening to the other nominees in the room and knowing what they have contributed to Darwin and Darwin life, this is very humbling,” he said.

“My father always said ‘you should have something in your life where you don’t expect anything in return’ and I have lived by that philosophy.

“It started at NCC with two children in the junior cricket teams and I have been working there since they came up through the age groups and ranks.

“They’re not there anymore, but I’m still helping out and contributing to the community in that way.”

The Young Citizen of the Year Award went to 18-year-old Jules Gabor, who has put together a remarkable community resume at a young age.

Ms Gabor is the NT Young Ambassador for UNICEF Australia, a member of the Northern Territory Youth Voice Peak Group, Vice-Chair of the Northern Territory Youth Round Table, a member of the City of Darwin Youth Advisory Committee, and holds an event management role with No One Left Behind.

Ms Gabor said she was “super excited” about the acknowledgment and she championed for issues close to her heart.

“I believe young people are really the backbone of the Darwin community because Darwin is so vibrant and colourful,” she said.

“Young people when they get the opportunity they can make incredible things happen, like we see with the NT Round Table and with other leadership opportunities.

“I think (winning the award) is a really huge opportunity for young people, queer and multicultural, just like me.”

Young Citizen of the Year award winner Jules Gabor. Picture: Supplied

Representatives from the Vietnamese Lantern Festival receive the award for best community event. Picture: Supplied

The Community Activity of the Year went to the Vietnamese Lantern Festival, which received a record number of nominations, and was recognised for providing the opportunity for others to experience Vietnamese culture.

Ceremony MC City of Darwin acting chief executive Matt Grassmayr said it was a unifying event for the community.

“The event featured rich and diverse activities that celebrated Vietnamese cuisine, origin and culture,” he said.

“It provided an opportunity for individuals from various backgrounds to learn about and appreciate the richness of Vietnamese heritage.

“It also served as an educational tool, offering children insights into their parents’ histories, and cultural roots by creating a connection to their heritage.”

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis at the award ceremony. Picture: Supplied (city of Darwin)

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said he was impressed by the Darwin community and this year’s nominees.

“The Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate the achievements of people within our community and highlight their efforts to go above and beyond in their community,” he said.

“To be awarded a Citizen of the Year award is an esteemed accolade and I would like to personally congratulate our winners and runner ups.”