Awards 2023

Cadys Ann Docking 

Nominated by Frederick James Docking 

Seconded by Lynette Nash

Gladys Docking is a true Darwinite, horn in the old Darwin hospital, she grew up in Katherine during the 50s and 60s, Gladys is the daughter to a migrate family who were the original peanut farmers in Katherine. She can tell you a lot of stories about Katherine growing up as a kid in a small frontier town.

Both her parents survived the bombing of Darwin, her dad worked as an engineer, he was a mechanic and a boxer, Gladys would often help at the garage and was a tough kid amongst her peers. Her dad was later recognised for his charitable work in Katherine with a street named after him, and her mother's migration history was recognised with a large painting of her.

Gladys went to teachers' college and started her career in Arnhem Land, she was a progressive modern teacher and came with a motor bike and a speed boat, much loved by her students, one of her students from Gunbalanya, later became the principal of a school in which Gladys worked. In the 1980's, Gladys taught in a rural school at Berry Springs. A lot of the original NT bush mob would remember her as Mrs Docking.

In early 2000's, her daughter had a horse accident that changed her life for

ever. Gladys, a devoted mother, is now caring for her daughter, and has become an advocate for people with a disability. She has raised significant funding for charities that support people with disabilities in the NT.

Gladys has discussed her experiences as a carer with the ABC and participated in lectures at Charles Darwin University. Her story is an example of the resilience, creativeness, and kindness of people living in the Northern Territory. Her actions are testament to surviving in a location geographically challenging for people with disabilities.

Recently Gladys attended forums held for NDIS reform and remains connected with reform groups. She also supports charity work with several inclusive employers including Food Bank, George Brown Botanical Gardens and Greening Australia.

Gladys has also recently worked with sporting groups, to reform their codes so her daughter can participate in weightlifting competitions.