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.
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AUSSIE Rules football is a game with a lot of heroes, and Katherine’s own football scene has its fair share of stand-outs, but one local legend in particular has given a lot to the community and its sporting scene.
Andy Bilske arrived in Katherine in 1998, just after the flood, and he wasn’t about to let a move from Adelaide get in the way of his passion for sport and his energy for nurturing his favourite codes in Katherine.
“Andy threw himself into sport here right away,” his wife Jodi Bilske said.
“He was quite strongly involved with the Krocs, and coached them early on, he also coached the Katherine Representative side in the Big River reps competition.”
According to Andy’s mum Heather, he has always been sports-mad, into his cricket, footie and golf, usually playing a role as captain or coach of a team, and always giving above and beyond the required effort.
“He’s always been a go-getter and a leader,” Mrs Bilske said.
And the 42-year-old has recently thrown himself into a big project for Australian Rules football in Katherine, establishing the local Camels club last year.
“He started from scratch, finding all the players, starting a committee. He got it all up and running and found sponsorship,” his wife, Jodi said.
“There hasn’t been a town team for quite a few years, there was not that much around in AFL – and they won both A and B grade premierships this year.”
As well as being a legend of local sport, Andy is a tireless dad to his three children Nicholas, Ami and Jasmine.
“He kind of has endless energy,” Jodi said.
“He’s just social too, he puts a lot of time into the community, and he’s good at organising people,” she said.
“And above all, he values good sportsmanship.”
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: