A fighter for his people’s rights, a private man for whom family was sanctuary, a diehard footy fan, a loyal member of the NT government caucus.
NOTE: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this article contains the name and image of an Indigenous person who has died, used with the permission of his family.
Family and former parliamentary colleagues have today bid farewell and paid their final tributes to late Tiwi Islander politician, Lawrence Costa, at a state funeral in Darwin.
Mr Costa, a serving member of the NT Labor government, died suddenly of a heart attack in December, at the age of 52.
This morning, the former member for Arafura’s coffin arrived at St Mary’s Cathedral accompanied by police motorcade and draped in the Northern Territory flag.
Dressed in black and gold, the colours of Mr Costa’s beloved Richmond and Imalu Tigers football teams, pallbearers – including former chief minister Michael Gunner – carried his casket into the church.
In a service that combined elements of both Tiwi and western cultures, Mr Costa was remembered as a “big man with a big heart” who tirelessly served his people for years.
Mr Costa’s widow, Ebony, gave a moving testament to the man she described as her “soulmate”.
"My husband was an incredible person. Not only was he a great husband, he was an amazing father, grandfather, best friend, colleague, and so much more. And in my thoughts and tears, I am reminded of just how much he made an impact on all of our lives,” she said.
“He was my soulmate, my inspiration, my best friend who walked beside me through everything we did.
"For someone so private, he surely gave and shared so much of himself.
“Lawrence supported and loved us all, and was always there to help find the way through life’s challenges – he will deeply be missed everyday, and I will be reminded of your love, your life and your legacy – from my heart to yours.”
Member was struggling with health
The hundreds of mourners in attendance also heard how Mr Costa had been struggling with his health before his early death.
Federal MP Marion Scrymgour, a fellow Tiwi Islander, said she had spoken with him every day, including on the morning of the day he died.
“It was so devastating,” Ms Scrymgour said.
“I always said to him, when we finished conversations, and particularly when we talked about his health, that we would all be there, to make sure (his family) are all going to be looked after.
“Because that’s what we do – that’s what Tiwis do. We’re a family – we’re families all together.”
Ms Scrymgour also spoke of the immense grief that Mr Costa had carried with him in recent years over the past deaths of other family members, especially his father's.
NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles described Mr Costa as a “private man” who loved his family more than anything.
“Lawrence wasn’t in politics for himself,” she said.
“And unlike most in politics, he never really wanted to go for a ministerial position, because he knew it would take him away from his people.
“Lawrence, more than anything, wanted to help his constituents, his people, the people he represented … the people of the Tiwi Islands and West Arnhem Land, and by extension, the First Nations people of the Northern Territory.”
Mr Costa will be farewelled in a traditional ceremony on Melville Island later this week.
A by-election for a new member in the seat of Arafura will be held on March 18.
