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.
IF EVER there were someone who embodies the best of Katherine it would be hard to imagine a better candidate than Katherine-born Bill Daw.
“Every day he tries to be the best person he can be,” said he’s only-slightly biased fiancé Meg Geritz.
“He is passionate about Katherine and the Katherine region – and it doesn’t matter your background whatsoever.
“He doesn’t have a discriminatory bone in his body,” Miss Geritz said.
The list of Mr Daw’s involvement in the Katherine community is long.
He has chaired the Katherine Region Cultural Precinct Board and Action Group, the Katherine Council Art and Culture Committee, been a board member of the Filipino Association, vice chairman of Katherine Isolated Children Services and has been involved with community radio since 2004. And those are only to name a few.
This, Miss Geritz said, is part of what makes him so special.
“He’s a hub for support, and endorsement of good causes. He’ll drop everything for someone.”
Miss Geritz said she thinks his work ethic comes in large part from his years working hard and long hours on remote cattle stations.
“He took a lot of what he learnt in the bush working with cattle, horses, and with people from all walks of life.”
She said one of the greatest things about him is his big heart, and his eye for those in the community who might need a hand.
“He is always welcoming new people in town. He recognises how important new blood in town is to growing Katherine, and above all he just loves sharing what a great place it is.”
Miss Geritz, who has known Mr Daw since 2003 said the two became firm friends early on, and even before they fell in love, she had always admired his caring character, and his fearlessness in standing up for what is right.
“He helps people to believe in themselves.”
“And,” she said with a laugh, “he once won ‘best sponge cake’ at the Katherine Show – he’s very well rounded!”
To read the stories of our previously featured community heroes, follow the links:
Bianca Stubbs, Judy Locke, Peter Fletcher, Tylee Wirth, Jenny Duggan.
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.