‘Cherished in so many hearts’: State memorial for former NT politician Nick Dondas AM

Loved ones have remembered Nick Dondas AM as a committed community leader, larger than life character, and ‘one of the Territory greats’.

Nick Dondas has been remembered as a larger than life character who was a dedicated community leader.

Loved ones have remembered Nick Dondas AM as a committed community leader, larger than life character, and “one of the Territory greats”.

Dozens gathered at Darwin’s Christ Church Cathedral on Monday at a state memorial to honour the former Northern Territory politician.

Nick Dondas' daughters Amelia and Katrina.

“Dad, we will forever miss your optimistic spirit and compassion you had for those around you, and your resilience and strength in trying times,” daughter Amelia said.

Mr Dondas’ other daughter, Katrina, said she was “filled with gratitude for the lessons he taught me about hard work, resilience, and the importance of community”.

“Let us celebrate his legacy of service, his love for family, and the impact he made on so many lives,” she said.

“He will be deeply missed and cherished in so many hearts.”

As CLP member for Casuarina, in 1981.

Born into a Greek migrant family in Perth in 1939, Mr Dondas first came to the Territory in 1955 to help his uncle Mick Paspalis, who owned Hotel Darwin.

He returned to Western Australia in the 1960s, playing grade rugby league around Australia and in England.

He moved to Hong Kong where he met his first wife and started a premium private car business servicing hotels.

Back in Perth, he worked at his parents cafe and later opened a steakhouse next door.

Nick (R) with wife Cheryl (L) at the opening of Mindil Casino in 1983.

In 1970 he met his second wife Cheryl, and together they moved to Darwin, running iconic businesses Take 5 Cafe, Beef Baron and Picasso’s Coffee shop.

He entered politics in 1976 as an founding member of the Territory’s first Legislative Assembly in 1976.

Over two decades with the Country Liberal Party, Mr Dondas served as Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker, and held various key ministerial portfolios.

Mr Dondas then moved into a brief career in federal politics, elected as a Northern Territory MP from 1996 to 1998, making an unsuccessful bid as an independent in the 2001 NT election.

In recognition of this service to government and politics, and to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1995.

As Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation, competing in a soccer match against junior soccer players (from left) Graca de Castro, Anna Almerda and Samantha Drew.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Mr Dondas was “more than just a politician”.

“He was a passionate advocate for his community, a committed leader, and a tireless worker who always had the future of the Northern Territory at heart,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“He was one of the Territory’s greats.

“He supported the establishment of a University in the Northern Territory, thus helping to shape the Territory’s educational landscape for generations.

“As Deputy Chief Minister, Nick was also a key figure in the development of the Menzies School of Health Research.”

Mr Dondas met his third wife Moira in 1987. He was also remembered for his strong contributions to the Greek community, and as a founding father of Rugby League in the NT.

He died September 8, aged 84.

If you were down at Darwin hospital in May 1979, you'd be sure of a big surprise. It was the day that the Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation, Nick Dondas, presented patients in the children's ward with one big bear and three little ones. Mr Dondas said the bears had been made by a prisoner at Alice Springs jail, Frank Kutchell, an experienced soft toy maker. Mr Dondas is pictured with the big bear and patient Sandra, aged five.

‘A friend to many’: State memorial for former NT politician Nick Dondas

November 14: Former Northern Territory politician Nick Dondas AM will be remembered at a state memorial in Darwin on Monday.

Mr Dondas died in September aged 84.

A founding member of the NT’s first Legislative Assembly in 1976, Mr Dondas’ political career with the Country Liberal Party spanned more than two decades.

During that time he served as Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker, and as a federal Territory MP.

Nick Dondas in 1996.

Greek Community NT paid tribute to Mr Dondas for both his political career and service to the Greek Orthodox community.

“Nick was instrumental in securing the site where the Greek Orthodox School in Darwin continues to operate to this day,” it said in a social media post.

“He continued to show his support for the community by volunteering on both days of Glenti this year. He was a friend to many within the Greek community.

“The Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia offers its sincere condolences to Nick’s family, daughters Katrina and Amelia and brother Theo.”

A service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 2 Smith St, Darwin City, on November 18 at 10am.