1 March 2023
A State Funeral for the former Member for Arafura, Mr Lawrence Costa MLA will be held today.
The funeral will be held at 9am at St Mary's Star of the Sea Cathedral, 90 Smith Street, Darwin - livestream will also be available via here.
A Tiwi Islander from Pitjarmirra Outstation north of Melville Island in the Northern Territory, he served the electorate of Arafura for 6 years from 2016 to 2022, representing and advocating for the communities of Tiwi Islands, Maningrida and West Arnhem.
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.
On behalf of all Territorians, I pay tribute to a very generous man who is missed by so many.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
"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.
"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."
Northern Territory Government
