Tamara Dingo, recipient of the Bubbles Peckham Award, found her place in the Touch Football community as a child, but now she enjoys giving back to the community by coaching and developing young players across the Northern Territory (NT).
Tamara’s family have always been involved in the sport, her mother was a sports administrator for Touch Football NT for over 30 years, and her father played for and coached NT and Australian teams.
Before shifting her focus to grassroots development, Tamara built an incredible elite playing resume. Her representative highlights include touring the Cook Islands with the 2001 Australian 18s team, representing Queensland Women’s Open at the 2004 State of Origin, and winning two National Touch League (NTL) titles with SQBD (2004 and 2016). Today, her favorite on-field moment is getting to play alongside her eldest daughter.
“I have always been passionate about touch. I love it, and it’s such a unique sport, but it’s more than that,” Tamara said.
“I’ve gained so many long-lasting friendships from all around Australia thanks to this sport. And locally, the NT community is very close knit and always there for each other in times of need. I want my children, and all the other kids I have coached or mentored, to also experience this,” Tamara explained.
Tamara’s passion for the NT community experiencing what she grew up with as a child extends deeply into her involvement with the sport now.
Tamara and her daughter played alongside each other at this year’s NT Titles. Source: Supplied.
A Lasting Legacy: Bubbles Peckham Award
The Bubbles Peckham Award recognises community members who embody the ultimate spirit of commitment, passion, and dedication to NT Touch Football. Tamara graciously accepted the award at this year’s NT Titles.
In response to receiving the highly prestigious award, Tamara reflected: “Although we volunteer for the sport because we love it, to receive acknowledgement from your peers meant the world. I am very close to relatives of Bubbles, so it was special to receive it, and one of my most treasured awards.”
“My mum has been a big influence on my life and will always be my inspiration. It’s why I am so passionate about the sport and developing juniors,” Tamara said.
“A few other people I would like to acknowledge who have been helping out develop our juniors in the NT include Jacob Leonard, Tom Edgword, Jade Albion, Adele Backwell, Caleb Smith, Ashlee Wallner, and Tim East, just to name a few.”
We extend our gratitude and congratulations to Tamara for her excellence in growing Touch Football in the NT!
To recognise volunteers from your community, please click here.
Discover more inspiring stories from previous volunteers of the month here.
