Awards 2020

MISS LYLA WILLS

BATCHELOR

Nominated by Dr Tom Lewis OAM - Seconded by Ms Kaylene Anderson

Miss Lyla Wills has dedicated much of her life to bringing music into the hearts and minds of so many young Territorians. For many years, Lila has worked in Aboriginal Communities and Territory towns across the Top End, sharing her love and joy of music.

Even when her work as an educator concluded, Lyla continued to bring music to children through her voluntary activities in several schools throughout the Top End.

Lyla still drives to Adelaide River and Batchelor schools once a week so she can hold music classes for children. Lyla has made an enormous contribution to so many schools, the local Eisteddfod and despite being in her mid 80s and having mobility issues, she shows no signs of slowing down.

Lyla is a Life Member of the Darwin Chorale, to which she has devoted long and loyal participation. For the record (no pun intended), Lyla earned her Life Membership by singing at every single community event for the time she was a member of Darwin Chorale.

Beyond music, Lyla has also been a tireless volunteer for her local church and the local Coomalie Visitor Information Centre in Batchelor. Lyla has also been honoured as a Territorian Of The Year for her tireless efforts and also recognised the Coomalie Shire, the Adelaide River, Batchelor and Lake Bennett Communities as a most valuable citizen for her invaluable contributions to those Communities.

In 2014, Lyla was also Nominated for a Pride Of Australia Medal.

Whilst having been recognised as a Territorian of the Year, Lyla was nominated for a NT Volunteer Of The Year Award in 2016. She did not win but her community capped her, their Citizen Of The Year.

It is with much delight we present this Award to you and with it, welcome you Lyla, to the Family of Seniors Of Excellence NT.