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.
IT TAKES a lot of courage for someone to jump into crocodile infested water to save another, and it points without a shadow of a doubt to ‘community hero’ status.
Katherine’s Senior Constable Mathew Unwin was not looking for recognition when he put his life before another’s in September last year, but such an act cannot go unnoticed.
“He’s a model employee and a quality investigator,” Acting Superintendent Gavin Kennedy said.
“He was nominated for a heroism medal for his actions as well.”
To Mat’s wife Debbie, the thirty-year-old is her caring, patient and funny husband and father to their young daughter and son, and she was probably the person least impressed by his daring deed.
“He rescued a stubborn drunk lady who would not get out of the water while there were two saltwater crocodiles seen in the water,” Mrs Unwin said.
“He jumped in while Constable Mathew Thomson and First class Constable Gary Houseman stood above him with their guns ... and I was so angry when I found out.
“He was in lot of trouble with me. I just freaked out, as few people knew I was pregnant with our second child at the time.
“He knows not to do it again, but if it happened, I know he would do it again anyway.”
Mrs Unwin said her husband is not fond of the ‘hero’ label, preferring to immerse himself in simple family life, fishing and hunting, his beloved car collection and car club, and curry nights with mates.
Posted to Katherine for his second stint in the community in 2010, Mat’s wife said their family are enjoying their block of land and their part in such a close community.
“He has always wanted to be a policeman, serving others, it’s just a job which suits him,” Mrs Unwin said.
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.
To read about Katherine's other community heroes, follow the links: