Awards 2020

MARY ELIZABETH SUTHERLAND

STUART PARK

Nominated by Judith Medley - Seconded by Reverend Stephen Orme

Mary has been a passionate supporter and advocate for children's Christian education since arriving in the NT in 1965. Soon after arriving in Darwin she became a Sunday School teacher at the Smith Street Uniting Church.

Mary was also involved in the religious instruction program in schools from 1968 until 2019. Mary loved the children and the children adored her. Mary ran lessons with fun, drama sessions, songs, Bible stories and praying, all of which the children loved.

Mary was a founding member of the Northern Territory Council of Churches for Christian Schools in the early 1970s.

After Cyclone Tracy, Mary was responsible for Religious Instruction in all Darwin schools and was often required to provide counselling to students who will have spent many hours in the Principal's office.

Many years later, one such boy who was then in High School, smiled and approached Judith Medley (Mary's nominator) and sang a song to her. Judith immediately recognised it as a song that Mary had taught this boy many years earlier. This is a testament to the lasting impact that a caring teacher can have, providing learning through music.

Mary has spent over 50 years volunteering for the Uniting Church only retiring about three years ago.

Mary. It is with much love and congratulations that we welcome you to the Family of Seniors Of Excellence NT.