Northern Territory politician and Member for Arafura passes away aged 52

Those close to a NT politician who died suddenly remember him as a ‘kind and humble man’ who was ‘a truly amazing, powerful, loving gentleman with a great sense of humour’.

The member for Arafura’s traditional homeland of Pitjarmirra on the Tiwi Islands.

Territory politicians from both major parties have come together to pay tribute to the Member for Arafura after their colleague’s sudden passing at the age of 52.

The Tiwi Islands man, who the NT News has chosen not to name until his family can be contacted, had been a member of the Legislative Assembly since 2016, representing the electorate of Arafura.

He lived on his homeland of Pitjarmirra, north of Melville Island.

Blain MLA Mark Turner remembered “a kind and humble man that genuinely cared for his community with compassion”.

“He was a constantly smiling face and a welcome handshake in a place that needed the human touch he brought with him,” he said.

“You could watch him talk with people from all walks of life with the same humility and earn their trust and respect.

Mr Turner said the lessons his late friend had taught him were “invaluable”, and shared one of the “daily drops of wisdom” he posted in the mornings: “Life is worth living, live it with passion, grab all opportunities. Do away with anger as anger is poison, it will eat away your very essential. Do away with fear, fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet. Cherish them.”

Country Liberal Party Member for Namatjira, Bill Yan, spoke of a man who despite their opposing politics, he held “in high regard”.

“He was a fierce advocate for the people in his electorate,” he said.

Tiwi Islands woman and Clearwater Island Lodge owner, Kerri-Ann Neale, said she was still in “disbelief” over the “most devastating and shocking news”.

“A truly amazing, powerful, loving gentleman with a great sense of humour who was kind, caring and always cheeky,” she said.

“Sending my heart, strength and love to Ebony, Juanita, Ariana and all the family who have lost an amazing leader, great husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.

“May you find peace my darling, we will still go hunting, fishing for your metre plus saltwater barramundi here again on the beautiful Munupi country that you loved so much.

“I will keep following your advice and amazing footsteps along the sandy beaches of home.”

Federal Solomon MP Luke Gosling said “goodbye for now to this beautiful man”.

“A proud Tiwi man, husband, Father, Grandfather and community leader, he was the NT representative of the people of Tiwi Islands, Maningrida and West Arnhem but he was so much more,” he said.

“Condolences to Ebony and his many family members and friends. Rest in eternal peace brother.”

Administrator Vicki O’Halloran said she and her husband Craig were “deeply saddened” to learn of the MLA’s passing.

“His loss will be felt deeply by many in the community,” she said.

“The Member for Arafura will be remembered as a well-respected and passionate leader, advocate and voice for his people.

“Our hearts are with his family. May he rest in eternal peace.”

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said her team was “shocked and saddened” by the news of the MLA’s passing and “will miss him greatly”.

“He was the Member for Arafura but more than that, he was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a leader in the community and a friend to many,” she said.

“As the Member for Arafura, he served the communities of the Tiwi Islands, Maningrida and West Arnhem for more than six years.

“However, his was a lifetime of service, striving to better people’s lives in roles across local government, ATSIC and the health sector.

“His efforts throughout his working life impacted many people’s lives for the better, delivering better services, jobs, homes and health outcomes.”

Ms Fyles said the MLA’s family and friends “meant everything to him” and “his generosity and care for people was enormous”.

“Whatever he was doing, his wife Ebony, his children and grandchildren were always close to his thoughts, and time with family was what he cherished most.

“I and his parliamentary colleagues are only a few of many, many people around the Territory and the country who will be deeply saddened by his loss.

“My sincere condolences to Ebony and the family and to all those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.”

The MLA previously served in various roles with the former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and as chief executive of the Tiwi Islands Local Government.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of the MLA’s passing.

“First elected to parliament in 2016, he served in many leadership roles in local government and health for decades,” she said.

“I have contacted Natasha Fyles and offered my condolences to the Labor team who mourn the loss of a valued colleague.

“My sincerest condolences go to his wife Ebony, family, friends and, of course, the people of Arafura who are grieving. May he rest in eternal peace.”