Awards 2021

Elaine & John Edwards

Nominated by Kenneth McEwan Moffitt - Seconded by Susan Moffitt

Elaine & John have lived in the Northern Territory for 47 years, arriving in Darwin in 1974. Elaine and John soon became active in the Darwin Theatre Company, John as a Producer of a number of show.'. including A Man For All Seasons; Macbeth; A Midsummer Night's Dream; Arturo Anthony & Cleopatra; Waiting For Godot. Elaine was principally involved with the research, designing and making costumes, makeup artist, props person and operating the sound and lighting boards. Both of them worked front of house and served on the committee.

Then Cyclone Tracy intervened, shortly after which, they moved to Alice Springs for 2 years. Whilst there, they assisted in setting up a 'Sobering-up Shelter' that provided over-night accommodation for men including a soup kitchen and a refuge for women during the day. Also at this time, Elaine served on a Parent- Teacher Committee at the Alice Springs High School. They returned to Darwin in 1977. In 1981, Elaine assisted in organising and taking part in the Bougainvillea Festival as a 'street theatre' promotion team. In 1988/89, John was Chairman of the NT Branch of Boy Scouts. In 1989 they moved to Katherine

Returning to Darwin in 1991, John was Chairman of a Christian Education Council which among other things, promoted the teaching of various religious courses as an after-school option in all schools. In 1995 they were both members of the Ludmilla Landcare Group.

In 2009, Elaine and John cared for a Burmese family, referred to them by the Melaluca Refugee Centre. Their roles were quite extensive, teaching the family how to use everyday utensils, English lessons, organising the placement of the children into schools and assisting in enabling the family to function in their new country/home.

Essentially Elaine and John have been quick off the mark when they have seen a need in the community and have made several important submissions to Government and agencies on a range of issues including Government policies on driving licences for Seniors; NT Concession Review; Alcohol Legislative Review; and the recent Royal Commission into Aged Care to name a few.

Elaine and John have never shirked an opportunity to assist when and where help is needed and their incredible lists of activities is testament to two wonderful examples of Seniors Of Excellence.

Please welcome Elaine and John Edwards as 2021, Seniors Of Excellence NT