Awards 2020

JOHN THOMAS BONNEY

HOLTZE

Nominated by Garry Casey - Seconded by Steven Russell

John arrived in the Northern Territory 50 years ago in January 1970 and spent most of his time teaching in remote Indigenous communities. During this period John was always ready to help the people gain access to loans, sorting out banking issues, providing food to children and assisting with medical needs when required.

However, John's charity work didn't begin until 1991 when he volunteered for the Gunbalanya Emergency Services.

John continued volunteering when he was moved to Nhulunbuy where he was on the Clean Up Australia Committee. Whilst in Nhulunbuy, he also assisted NT Parks and Wildlife by helping to deliver the Junior Ranger program to local children.

John is strongly committed to work through the Anglican, Uniting and Catholic Churches. He also volunteers at Nungalinya College, providing tutoring and relief teaching in Literacy and Numeracy.

John joined the Howard Springs Volunteer Fire Brigade in January 2007 and has been a member there for the past 13 years remaining an active line member until 2016.

Since then John has trained as a Volunteer Brigade Training Officer and now delivers training programs to Volunteer Fire Fighters.

In his capacity of Trainer, John attends weekly Brigade meetings, training sessions, delivers new and in-service fire trucks to Brigades around the NT, returning in those requiring service. John still attends prescribed burning when and wherever necessary.

John Bonney, we proudly welcome you to the family of NT Seniors Of Excellence