Awards 2018

Michael Patrick North - Durack

Nominated by Imraan North

Seconded by Judy North

Michael Patrick North retired from his employment with TIO in 2016. He is a tireless worker for both the Leukaemia Foundation and Pearl. He is not just a driver and will help anyone, regardless of who they are, their situations or condition etc.

He has helped many people with cleaning their houses and repairing things that they are unable to. He takes leukaemia patients to appointments, stays with them until they have completed their appointment then takes them back to their homes. He will go along to Pearl and visit the elderly, providing a friendly face and someone to talk to.

Not so long ago, he assisted a lady by the name of Mary who had cancer and was chair bound. After meeting her and because of his kind nature and determination to help, Mary asked him to be her first respondent for emergencies. Mary praises Michael with high regard. Michael would often go to Mary's house to assist her with the cleaning of the house. He has repaired her garden watering system so that she was then able to wheel herself outside and enjoy her lovely, fresh garden. He also fixed her security door so that she was safe in her home. When Mary's sister arrived from New Zealand to be with her, Michael also provided a spare bed so that her sister could be at her Mary's side during her final days. After Mary's death Michael also assisted with the sale of Mary's belongings and with handing her unit back to the NT Government.

Currently Michael is looking after a man named Henry who has cancer and is hospital bound. He drives Henry to and from appointments, some of which would be very early mornings and late evenings. As Henry found it hard to trust or talk to people Michael was soon able to establish a very good relationship with Henry and since he has no family here Michael has become his first emergency respondent and has gone to his aid on numerous occasions at different times throughout the day and night. Michael has taken Henry's dog to his home to care. He would take the little dog to visit Henry at hospital. Recently Henry's sister came to visit to organise a few things before his passing. Henry travelled to Coconut Grove to ensure that it was registered and mobile for Henry's sister to use.

Michael regularly visits Henry and goes out of his way to assist him with anything he needs, regardless of time.