Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson’s legacy lives on with Starlight grader on NT building sites

Territory businesses are getting behind the late Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson’s plan to help sick Territory kids.

An unmissable new billboard is being installed around Darwin and commuters will soon be able to see it at one of the Top End’s biggest development sites.

To raise funds for seriously ill children, the team at Northern Australia Civil and the Starlight Foundation have combined to decorate a grader in Starlight’s distinctive yellow and purple branding.

The brainchild of NAC’s late founder Chris “Willow” Wilson, the grader will appear on job sites across Darwin, trimming roads and moving soil in the vivid Starlight colours.

Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson with his family wife Danielle and their two young sons Ted (5) and Austin (2). Pictures - Supplied

Willow’s wife Danielle Wilson said he was a long-time supporter of the Starlight Foundation.

His support for Starlight, his desire to go hard at raising funds and his drive to become a member of the organisation’s NT committee came after his youngest son Austin had multiple hospital admissions during the first few years of his life.

Northern Australia Civil, the company owned by Chris 'Willow' Wilson, has a grader covered in Starlight Foundation livery that will be used at the Berrimah overpass construction site to raise funds for the charity. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“Willow would be so proud to see his idea become a reality and see the starlight machine out in action across the NT,” Mrs Wilson said.

NAC managing director Jimmy Riggall said the company was proud to partner with the Starlight Foundation and help put a smile on the faces of sick kids across the Territory.

“It’s definitely going to be a standout machine on its first job at the Tiger Brennan Drive overpass in the New Year,” Mr Riggall said.

Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson. Pictures - Supplied

“It will be working for Sitzler, who are generously matching NAC’s donation to Starlight dollar-for-dollar. A grader is a tough bit of gear, but not as tough the kids who are in and out of hospital undergoing medical treatment.”

Local companies have jumped on board to support NAC to bring the grader project to life, with Hastings Deering, Boscatto Panel and Paint, Sitech, Trimble and Custom Graphics getting on board.

All funds raised through the Starlight grader with support of partnering companies will stay in the Northern Territory helping Territory kids and their families.