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
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the support of Nitmiluk Tours - proudly presents this week’s Community Hero.
THE quiet achievers in this community may often seem to go unnoticed, but in a town such as Katherine, chances are that a person’s gentle and continual good works within the community will not be overlooked for long, and Greg Dowling is one such ‘under the radar’ hero.
“I can't say enough about Greggy D’s enthusiasm and 'can do' attitude,” friend and creative collaborator Meg Geritz said.
“Earlier this year he was determined to shake up the music scene in Katherine and didn't even blink at the monumental task of bringing together musicians from across the region for the National Event - Save Live Australian Music (SLAM) in February.
“Greggy didn't care that is was the wet season - his optimism staved off the rain that day.
“More than 250 people attended to watch bands, groups and solo musicians from Katherine, Vendale and Beswick including Kelly Doyle, Tom E. Lewis, the Christian Band, Mixed Relations.
“It was a great night,” Ms Geritz said.
“He donated 48 hours of single handed set-up of amazing sound equipment and lights, not to mention the man hours required to invite everyone and promote the event – all voluntarily.
“SLAM was an awesome hit and kicked off a year of great community engagement bringing together families and cultures - SLAM had 50/50 indigenous and non-indigenous attendance.
“He is also a volunteer for the local radio station, and ran for Alderman earlier in the year,” Ms Geritz said.
“It is incredible to watch the energy this guy puts into supporting huge community events, or initiating them, all voluntarily.”
To Toni Tapp Coutts, Greg’s involvement in the creative community over the years has also left a strong impression.
“He is a Katherine-born boy, and Katherine school educated, and he gives a lot to the town,” Ms Tapp Coutts said.
“He’s always been quite creative and artistic.
“He makes all Katherine’s outdoor events special.
“He helps a lot with the annual Carols by Candlelight, and he’s a very generous person.”
“I’m always struck by how much he does,” Ms Tapp Coutts said.
“He has a big heart.”
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.