THEY are the unsung heroes whose stories are full of passion and commitment. Whether it's battling to preserve the Territory wildlife, hosting tea parties to raise money for cancer research, or reminding people that those with autism are awesome too, the deeds of 24 Territorians were praised at the 11th Pride of Australia Medal Ceremony, hosted by the NT News and Sunday Territorian at Parliament House yesterday.
Most were surprised. Some cried. But everyone, including the families, were humbled. 
Little Kourtney Rimmer, 8, of Humpty Doo, said receiving the Child of Courage medal was "awesome".
Kourtney, who has autism, cycled and ran 100km to raise $4300 for Autism NT. He has also spoken to his class, his school assembly, on radio and at an autism forum at Charles Darwin University to help people better understand the condition.
"If someone has autism, they're awesome too," he said.
His Mum, Victoria Argent, said she couldn't be prouder of her altruistic son. Parap's Andrew Nortonwon the Community Spirit medal for his efforts to improve younger people's lives.
Mr Warton is the chairman of Lifeline NT, and has also set up his own foundation Kayak4Youth, which raises funds and awareness for the prevention of youth suicide.
"Doing this work provides me with a great deal of satisfaction and along the way I've met the most remarkable people," Mr Warton said. "It's not difficult to be motivated by this stuff because you see the difference it makes." Lee-Anne Stallan, of Rosebery, didn't take a second to consider the risks when she entered the burning bedroom of her wheelchair-bound neighbour to rescue him.
"It was just about Chris and getting him out," she said.
The cleaner at Bakewell Primary School said she was proud to receive the Outstanding Bravery Medal.
"People said, 'you're a hero'; I don't feel like one," she said. "I'm very humbled about it." Stuart Park's Steve Martz received the Heroism Medal for his 17-year career with CareFlight. He designed a new rescue stretcher used by CareFlight and other rescue services, and also trains doctors, paramedics and nurses for rescue helicopter missions.
Receiving the award was "very humbling, and a little embarrassing". "I can't achieve what we do if it was just me, there's an entire team behind me," he said.
The Courage Medal went to Belinda Marshall, of Emerald Springs, who has endured leukaemia for more than 20 years.
Despite her health, she has raised in excess of $150,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
She is also organising another fundraiser in order to plant a garden outside the window of the Katherine Hospital's chemotherapy ward.
"I come from a population of four people so to raise the money is not just the act of me it was the people that donated," Ms Marshall said.
Romola Sebastianpillai, of Wagaman, was awarded the Fair Go Medal for her volunteer work for some 40 years.
Romola has organised many charity events and is president of a not-for-profit Irish Dancing School.
"Volunteering gives me so much happiness,," she said.
The Environment Medal went to Mandy Hall, of Howard Springs who has worked with wildlife for 22 years.
"I hope through this award more people will recogniser there is still a lot of hard work to be done," Ms Hall said.
Dr Rama Jayaraj received the Inspiration Medal for his inspirational work as a lecturer at Charles Darwin University. He has initiated partnerships with many organisations that provide support for his students projects.
He has also helped indigenous education, while contributing to cancer research. The Young Leader Medal went to Abbey Holmes, 24, of Johnston, who was chosen for her constant professionalism.
Ms Holmes, a Waratah's star, raised money for prostate cancer by playing for the E J Whitten Legends match.
She is also passionate about providing a pathway for young women to achieve their goals.
The inspiring work of Marieanna Hammond, of Alice Springs, was recognised through the Care and Compassion Medal.
Ms Hammond has been a foster carer for indigenous children with very high and complex disabilities.She also provides chances for the children to travel interstate and overseas, and advocates establishing good relationships with the birth families of children in her care.