Former Northern Territory politician Nick Dondas AM has been remembered as a larger-than-life character at a state memorial service on Monday, November 18.
Dozens gathered at Darwin’s Christ Church Cathedral on Monday for the state memorial. His daughters, Katrina and Amelia, both spoke of his legacy.
“Dad, we will forever miss your optimistic spirit and compassion you had for those around you, and your resilience and strength in trying times,” Amelia said.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Mr Dondas was “one of the Territory’s greats.”
Mr Dondas, born in 1939 to a Greek migrant family in Perth, became a prominent figure in the Northern Territory’s political and business landscape.
After moving to the NT in 1955 to assist his uncle, Mick Paspalis, at Hotel Darwin, Dondas pursued diverse ventures, including playing grade rugby league across Australia and England, running a premium car service in Hong Kong, and managing several iconic Darwin businesses such as Take 5 Cafe and Beef Baron.
Entering politics in 1976, Dondas became a founding member of the NT’s first Legislative Assembly. Over two decades with the Country Liberal Party, he served as Deputy Chief Minister, Speaker, and held multiple ministerial roles. His political career extended briefly to federal politics, representing the NT from 1996 to 1998.
In 1995, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to politics and the NT Legislative Assembly.
Mr Dondas also left a lasting legacy in the Greek community and as a founding figure of Rugby League in the NT. He passed away on September 8, 2023, at the age of 84.
