Territory Day: Celebrating our Territory Heroes
Territory Day is a much-loved celebration for Territorians, who take the opportunity to celebrate everything they love about this incredible place we call home.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner said Territorians have a lot to celebrate and be proud of on 1 July.
“Territorians have been the best during the coronavirus, and together we’ve made the Territory the safest place in Australia,” he said.
“The most important thing this Territory Day is to get out and back locals. Be the best Territorian you can be by backing locals and buying local.”
This year looks a little different due to COVID-19 restrictions, but we can still celebrate in a number of ways, including the Territory Sounds Countdown to find the NT’s top 40 songs, the Territory 10,000 initiative to support our hospitality sector and the Territory Hero Awards to recognise the efforts of Territorians during these unusual times.
Our Territory Hero Award winners were dobbed in for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and chosen from an incredible selection of nominees.
Territory Hero Award Winners
Territory Hero Award (aged 17 and over) – Tejinder Singh provided meals to international students and locals who had lost their job due to COVID-19. Using his personal savings, he prepared, cooked and delivered 400 meals to people over 20 days.
Territory Hero Award (under 17) – Angus Copelin-Walters. During COVID-19 restrictions the 10-year-old learnt to sew from a local interiors business owner, then made handmade gifts for people in retirement villages to cheer them up.
Neighbourhood/Group Hero Award – BayanihaNT Response Group. The group provided essential grocery items and wellbeing activities for international students and temporary visa holders.
Territory Schools Video Competition
Using the Territory’s own Black Rock Band’s song Family, students were encouraged to submit a short video sharing what they love most about living in the NT, in particular the place they live.
A total of 47 entries were received from across the Northern Territory, with three schools – one from the North, South and Remote areas – taking home a $5,000 multimedia suite.
The winners for this year’s Territory Day video competition are:
- Remote – Urapunga Primary School
- Southern Region – Gillen Primary School
- Northern Region – Stuart Park Primary School
Tune in to MusicNT’s Territory Sounds Countdown from 4pm today featuring the Territory’s top 40 songs, as voted for by Territorians. ABC Darwin, ABC Alice Springs and community radio partners will broadcast the countdown.
Tonight don’t miss _Some Like it Hot! on Channel 9 and Imparja Television at 7.30pm, where you will meet a range of Territorians who share how the Territory has shaped their story.