There are many people in the Katherine region who do not hesitate to go the extra mile to make a difference to the lives of their friends, families and the community they live in. Those people are often quiet achievers who do not get the recognition they deserve. To celebrate quiet achievers in the region the Katherine Times - with the support of Nitmiluk Tours - proudly presents this week’s Community Hero.
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ONE of the most generous things people can give to their community is their time, and like so many of Katherine’s true community heroes, Jon Raynor seems to have a never-ending supply for his town.
Having arrived in Katherine with the RAAF in 1995, the boy from Townsville developed an attachment to the town which saw him make it his permanent home after returning from a tour in the Middle East in 2004.
He, along with wife Annette, have carved out their niche at a property on Florina Road, with enough space for Annette to indulge her passion for horses.
“Jon will do anything for anybody, if there’s somebody in need, Jon always turns up,” friend and colleage at the community radio station, Bill Daw said.
While Jon has managed the 8KTR community radio station for the past few years, he started as a volunteer about four years ago, lending a hand with his technical skills.
“Even though he works for the station now, you could still say that Jon is probably one of the greatest volunteers they have, he spends a lot of his own time promoting community causes,” Mr Daw said.
“He goes above and beyond, he’s always there supporting local events, and it’s his idea to do things like his broadcast once a week at Rocky Ridge Nursing Home, where residents get to pick their own songs.
“Jon just loves radio,” Mr Daw said.
Having run for a position as a council alderman in 2002, Jon has always kept a keen interest in the Katherine community and its needs, and he still champions awareness of key issues affecting the town.
“He’s always wanted to contribute to the community, in as many ways as he can,” Mr Daw said.
Jon is president of the Katherine RSL, a role he takes pride in, volunteering his time to organise things like the dawn service.
And not least, he offers a bright mix of unconventional humour to those who know him well, proving to be a good friend who is never dull.
“Jon has a wonderful quirky humour,” Mr Daw said.
“It really is weird sometimes, and that’s just the beauty of Jon.”
Every week the Community Hero celebrated in the Katherine Times receives a $50 Nitmiluk Gorge meal voucher.
NOMINATE a quiet achiever and receive a $15 Nitmiluk Gorge meal voucher if your nominee features as the next Community Hero.
Email the name and a brief description of your hero’s achievements (and a photo if you have one) to
editor.kathtimes@ruralpress.com or ring the Katherine Times on 8972 1111.
To read about Katherine's other community heroes, follow the links: