Rockhole's Alfred Farrel wins NT Young Achiever Award for contribution to COVID response

Mr Farrel took home the Glencore McArthur River Mining Regional and Rural Initiative Award at an awards ceremony in Darwin on April 8, and was also nominated for the One Rail Australia Indigenous Achievement Award.

Mr Farrell, who works as a Regional Support Officer at the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet, was a vital part of the team responding to COVID-19 outbreaks in his community by engaging with Aboriginal Territorians and interpreting key messages, according to his nomination by Tony Fuller APM.

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However, he went even further and undertook training so he could be a part of the massive COVID-19 testing effort in Binjari and Rockhole during breakouts there, seeing him working days on end in temperatures often above 40C.

Mr Farrel has also played a role in using his skills as an Eastside Kirol interpreter for community engagement across a range of issues including NT Treaty consultations and the COVID-19 vaccination program.

He's also a committee member, player and Under 16 Boys coach for the Garrak Bombers.

"I am very proud to receive this award and be able to represent my family and community. This couldn't have happened without the support of my friends, family and colleagues so a big thank you to them as well," Mr Farrel said.

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