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.
FOR many young people, their teenage years can involve a fair amount of turmoil and trouble, but for one young Katherine man, ‘life’ has never gotten in the way of his care of others and his love of a healthy, active lifestyle.
“We came here in 2009 from Tasmania because we wanted our kids to learn about a different lifestyle and so they could experience this kind of diverse community,” Dean Callaghan’s mum Laura said.
And it is in Katherine that Dean has really hit his straps, diving straight into joining the Katherine Umpire’s Association.
Now 18, Dean has ensured he uses his time giving back to his community and working hard.
“He went to Japan on a school trip in 2010, and he did that himself, saving all his money from umpiring.
“He also received a youth citizen of the year award at school.
“He works at Brumby’s when he’s not umpiring, and worked at Rocky Ridge Nursing Home as a kitchen-hand, all while doing his umpiring.”
Obviously not afraid of hard work, Dean has decided he will be joining the army in January, after year 12.
“He is just an outstanding young man,” Katherine High School teacher Leith Waterbury said.
And Dean’s mum agrees, that the example he sets as a young role model to his peers makes him a community hero.
“He’s very family oriented, with strong values.
“He has learnt dedication through his love of umpiring, and is very community minded,” she said.
With younger sister Ferne umpiring, and younger brother Bryn similarly into sport, there’s no doubt the Callaghans are an active, vital mob – imparting in Dean a dedication to living well and working hard, and it is a message he helps spread to everyone he meets.
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.
To read about Katherine's other community heroes, follow the links:
