A State Funeral for the former Member for Arafura, Lawrence Costa MLA is being held today in Darwin.
A Tiwi Islander from Pitjarmirra Outstation north of Melville Island in the Northern Territory, Mr Costa served the electorate of Arafura for six years from 2016 to 2022, representing and advocating for the communities of Tiwi Islands, Maningrida and West Arnhem.
“Today we celebrate Mr Lawrence Costa and his life of generosity, kindness and compassion. This State Funeral will recognise his years of service and devotion to his family,” said Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles.
“Never far from our thoughts, we will miss him and honour his legacy of being the stalwart of the Tiwi Islands.
“Our thoughts are with Mr Lawrence Costa’s family, as we honour a hardworking and great Territorian.”
Mr Costa worked in remote Aboriginal communities across the NT for more than 20 years.
He worked for the Pirlangimpi Community Government Council, Tiwi Islands Local Government, Tiwi Islands Shire Council and the Department of Health.
Mr Costa was also elected as the Deputy Chairman on Jabiru Regional Council and Chairperson on North West Regional Council.
“Above all, family and friends meant everything to him and his generosity and care for people was enormous. Whatever he was doing, his wife Ebony and his family were always close to his thoughts,” the Chief Minister said.
“On behalf of all Territorians, I pay tribute to a very generous man who is missed by so many.”
The funeral at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Cathedral, in Darwin is being livestreamed via https://livestream.com/dme/lawrence.
