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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Petrena Ariston’s name is synonymous with promoting Indigenous culture and artwork throughout the Katherine region.
Together with her husband Alex, Petrena noticed that there was a real need for cultural interaction with the Aboriginal people of Katherine.
Together the couple opened the Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery in 2009, providing an avenue for lndigenous artists to share their knowledge and a place to show their art.
Petrena is also known for her love of animals; but most particularly emus.
She has been known to adopt an emu or two over the time and has a real caring nature when it comes to our wildlife.
Petrena and her family have been in Katherine since 1997 and her ability to promote Indigenous art and culture has been very beneficial to our town.
Friend Fay Miller said Petrena would help people “wherever she sees a need and is always there to find an answer and not just complain about the problems”.
“She promotes Indigenous culture throughout the Top End and into Western Australia,” Ms Miller said.
“I believe we are very lucky to have such a positive spokesperson for Katherine and our Indigenous community.
“Visitors rave about their experiences being introduced to baby kangaroos or other Australian wildlife.
“We can certainly see why Tourism NT asked her to do a promotional video to help promote Katherine and all it has to offer.”
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