Unsung heroes deserve their spotlight moment

 Unsung heroes recognised in Pride of Australia Awards

Finalist in the Pride of Australia Medal 2013 ... Alpha Capaque (Young Leader).

NOT many experiences can render paramedic Warren Purse speechless.But the intensive care paramedic who speaks tirelessly to students about road safety was lost for words when he was awarded the Pride of Australia medal for Heroism.

"I am very humbled - a little bit embarrassed actually," he told the NT Legislative Assembly reception.

Following the death of his wife, Paula Ann, in a motorbike accident in 1999 the father of four has dedicated his life to ensuring people avoid what he has had to endure.

He has been to hundreds of crashes, too many of them fatal, in his 14 years with St John Ambulance.

And on his days off he talks about road safety to school students, sporting and community clubs.

Your Say

"Wazza you are one in a million, an everyday hero well deserving of this award! Kindest regards Sally Walker"
Sally Walker

Your Say

"Wazza you are one in a million, an everyday hero well deserving of this award! Kindest regards Sally Walker"
Sally Walker

He was one of more than 20 finalists and award recipients who were recognised for making our community a better place at News Corp Australia's NT Pride of Australia awards yesterday.

Pride Of Australia

From teachers and health workers to off-duty police officer, Brevet Sergeant Paul Maccioni who dragged two people from a burning car the Territory's quiet achievers had their spotlight moment.

NT News editor Rachel Hancock said she was amazed by the humility shown by finalists each year.

"They never shout their achievements from the rooftops," she said.

"In fact, if you asked them to tell you about their life story, they probably would not mention it. That's what makes these awards so special, because it gives us an opportunity to recognise the wonderful contributions nominees make to improving the lives of Territorians."

Medals were presented by Chief Minister Adam Giles or NT Administrator Sally Thomas at a breakfast function.

Senior health worker Jangu Nundhirribala who received the care and compassion award for 40 years of service to her community of Numbulwar, 260km south of Nhulunbuy, said her family would be surprised.

Ms Nundhirribala said she had not told anyone.

"I just said I was going on a trip to Darwin," she said.

David and Margaret Hewitt of Alice Springs who have worn out three Land Rovers over 49 years working in more than 26 remote communities on land conservation projects and preserving heritage sites were awarded the Community Spirit medal.

Mr Hewitt helped construct dialysis facilities at Kintore and Kwirrkurra.

He also visits male prisoners at Alice Springs jail each month to tell them about the community programs available on their release.

"We have enjoyed every minute of the 49 years we worked in the remote communities - I am sure we would do it all again," he said.

Abraham Ghawu, originally from the Cameroon, was awarded the Fair Go Medal for citizens and permanent residents born overseas.

Mr Ghawu was recognised for his prolific volunteering, juggling seven different organisations including the Melaleuca Refugee Centre in Darwin, R U OK Day, UN Youth NT and the Australian Youth Climate Coalition.

He said Australia offered young people the opportunity to make a difference.

"I really wanted to express how thankful I am to live in a country like this," he said.

All NT medallists are now finalists for the national Pride of Australia awards.