Territory community mourns loss of legend

Well-known character Paddy Peckover died on Christmas Eve, leaving behind a community in mourning for a true Territory legend. Read his story.

Paddy Peckover tribute. Picture: Supplied

Patrick “Paddy” Peckover was a man of many talents.

The Territory legend was a Citizen of the Year, firefighter, rodeo clown, fireworks master, prized chicken breeder, national service veteran, top amateur fisherman, and proud father to four children, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Paddy standing at the destroyed Nightcliff Fire Station. Picture: Supplied

Paddy died peacefully in his sleep on Christmas Eve, 2024 in Bundaberg.

“It was the way he wanted to go,” eldest daughter Sandy Peckover said.

Paddy’s first stint in the Territory was in the mid-1950s.

“He left Perth and hitchhiked as far as Rum Jungle mines,” Ms Peckover said.

From there, Paddy did odd jobs, including working as an orderly at the old Darwin Hospital where he met the most beautiful nurse on the ward – his first wife Wendy.

Paddy’s true calling was the fire service.

“He always wore a shirt that read, ‘firefighting: it’s not a job – it’s a lifestyle’,” Ms Peckover said.

Paddy would ride the horse and cart to Katherine town. Picture: Supplied

Paddy worked at fire stations across Darwin, Nhulunbuy, Humpty Doo and Katherine.

He was on duty for the destruction of the old Katherine meatworks in 1969, working throughout the night to battle the ferocious blaze.

Of course, Paddy was in Darwin during Cyclone Tracy.

“The crew went out to respond to an alarm during the middle of the storms,” Ms Peckover said.

“By the time they returned, the station had nearly disappeared.”

Like many emergency service workers, Paddy spent weeks working around the clock to help rebuild his community.

Ms Peckover fondly recalled the fraternity of her father’s crewmates.

“I’ll remember the mateship and camaraderie of those firefighters forever.

“They were like a very close knit family.”

Fortunately, courtesy of Bundaberg Fire Brigade, Paddy had one last sit in a fire truck.

Paddy got to have one more sit in a firetruck before he died. Picture: Supplied

“He was beaming like a little kid again – he loved it,” Ms Peckover said.

“Paddy was a friend to many and a lovable larrikin who kept people smiling,” said Acting Chief Fire Officer Stephen Sewell.

“We’ll miss him popping by for a chat and sharing old stories.

“Paddy will be greatly missed, not only for his dedication to duty but for the joy he brought to everyone around him.”

Paddy had a fascinating life outside of the fire brigade.

“Most people will remember Dad for his fireworks,” Ms Peckover said.

“Him and Syd Howard would enthral crowds at all the shows – Darwin, Katherine and Tennant Creek.

“He would also do Bagot Park Speedway back in the day.”

Paddy’s friends and family called him the “leprechaun larrikin”. Picture: Supplied

Firework displays often brought out the cheeky side of Paddy, leading to many pranks and mischief.

“We used to call him the ‘leprechaun larrikin’,” Ms Peckover said.

Paddy’s love for fishing was symbolised by his life membership of the NT Amateur Fishermen Association.

Paddy with a whopping 23 kilogram barra at Cahill’s Crossing. Picture: Supplied

He also enjoyed life membership with the Royal Darwin Show and was a founding member of Top End rodeo scene.

In the latter he was known for his comical clown antics.

Paddy’s momentous life was epitomised by being awarded Darwin Citizen of the Year in 1993.

“Dad was just a person who loved giving – nothing was an issue if it made somebody happy,” Ms Peckover said.

“If I can make people happy and smile, then I’m following in Dad’s footsteps.”