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Tributes paid to dedicated NT teacher

Emma Bell was a teacher who was devoting the early years of her career to the challenge of working with indigenous children in a remote Northern Territory community.

Originally from Lithgow, west of Sydney, Ms Bell had moved to the Northern Territory 18 months ago to teach at Maningrida College in northern Arnhem Land.

The travel-loving teacher, who was in her 20s, was returning from her latest adventure in Europe to start the school term when she was killed on board MH17.

Maningrida College principal Stuart Dwyer said Ms Bell's dedication to her job had won the respect of parents and elders in the local community.

"She was dearly loved by all her students and their parents down in our homeland schools," he told AAP.

"These are really different places to be teaching and they demand a lot from a person.

"Emma stood up to that challenge and was well respected within those homeland schools where she taught by parents, traditional land owners and the community in general."

Ms Bell was described as a spirited and lighthearted young woman who loved travelling and exploring Arnhem Land's rich landscape.

She had devoted her free time to learning the language of the homeland schools where she worked.

Mr Dwyer said he had spoken with Ms Bell's parents and couldn't imagine their pain.

"In time they'll come up here and meet the different people and see the influence that Emma has had on so many students," he said.

Lithgow locals have also paid tribute to Ms Bell.

"Very sorry to our local family who have lost a loved one today," Melissa Weaver posted on Facebook.

Close friend Katrine Williamson posted: "My beautiful friend. I will carry you with me in my heart always and forever."

"R.I.P em im gonna miss ya," Cindy O'Neil wrote.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles has sent his condolences to Ms Bell's family and said the government had offered to fly them to Maningrida.

He called Ms Bell an "outstanding educator" who had a strong relationship with the community.