Awards 2021

Mara Dobrini

Nominated by Emily Pritchard and Seconded by Anna Harris

Mara is the mother of four daughters. For 35 years Mara has been a Primary School Teacher in Darwin, a job she really loves.

For many years, Mara in her spare time, has lived and practiced a passion. Dancing and teaching various forms of Folk Dancing, Irish Dancing and Scottish Country Dancing.

Mara travelled interstate to obtain her Preliminary Certificate to teach Scottish Country Dancing. This was done in her own time and her expense.

Two years later Mara went to Saint Andrews in Scotland to attain full accreditation as a teacher of Scottish Dancing. It should be noted that teaching that form of dancing is an honorary occupation, not one that brings any financial reward.

For nigh on 15 years now, Mara has taught a regular weekly class in Scottish Country Dancing and continues to do so. This not only involves the classes, but hours of preparation including organising music and keeping up with an increasing number of dances that are regularly created and published and she is often interstate, attending Scottish Country Dancing School to maintain her skills.

Mara has often 'called' dances for the Darwin Folk Club and every year, she organises a special event, Celebrating St Andrew's Day. She organises a live Band and a Pipe Band to accompany the dancing and there would be no celebration without the Ode to the Haggis.

Mara also has a Dance Group, The Arafura Scottish Dancers, who perform in a variety of community events including the annual celebration of Seniors Month, where free classes are offered to all aspiring dancers.

It is clear that many people have benefited from Mara's enduring commitment to her passion of Scottish Country Dancing which, Mara assures us, is a very enjoyable, healthy and social activity.

Please welcome Mara Dobrini as a 2021, Senior Of Excellence NT