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.
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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.
‘SHE does so, so much’ is something you hear about Jan Murphy, or ‘Murph’, over and over again.
For Murph, devoting her time as Secretary Treasurer for the Bush Fire Brigade, running her Cantarbillay Kids Choir and doing her job with NT Libraries in Indigenous communities is all just a part of what brings her pleasure in life.
Murph, a school teacher originally from near Lismore in NSW, has lived in Katherine since 1991, and talks passionately about all her roles.
She said she loves seeing the kids in her choir grow and flourish in other aspects of their lives as they learn through singing how to be confident and use their voices.
“My enjoyment from the choir is seeing the confidence and growth they get ... many end up with awards or go on to school captaincy because they learn not to feel insecure about themselves.”
Since 1994, Murph has sung at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service, and after years performing the Recessional and Supreme Sacrifice, she started to bring the kids she taught to sing with her.
Her choral contribution at these occasions is now a renowned part of Katherine, and Murph said she tells all her kids the aim of the game is to “sing with one voice” and work as a team.
Murph is known to many for the hours she puts into doing things for others and the years she has spent helping to make Katherine the community it is.
To read the stories of our previously featured community heroes, follow the links:
Every week the Community Hero celebrated in the Katherine Times receives at $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.