As we celebrate 2025 National Volunteer Week, Northern Territory Rugby Union proudly recognises the lifeblood of our sport—our volunteers.
Rugby simply doesn’t go ahead without them.
Behind every whistle blown, field marked, jersey folded, and team cheered on from the sidelines, there are volunteers giving their time, energy, and heart so that our game can thrive. From the community fields of Darwin to Katherine, Central Australia, Arnhem Land, the Tiwi Islands, and beyond, volunteers are the thread connecting our rugby family across the Northern Territory.
This year, we are honoured to highlight a small group of extraordinary individuals who embody the spirit of volunteering in our rugby community:
- Donna Mitchell (Swampdogs Rugby Union Club) – whose tireless commitment as photographer, administrator, and all-round club champion makes her a cornerstone of the Swampdogs family.
- Jacob Brant (Palmerston Crocs Rugby Union Club) – a hands-on President who does everything from coaching to coordinating sponsorships and driving players.
- Josie Blake (Swampdogs Rugby Union Club) – Life Member and long-standing Board Member whose governance, leadership and time are the glue holding club and competition operations together.
- Lou Mow (Darwin Dragons Rugby Union Club) – a behind-the-scenes powerhouse managing teams, events, and helping grow the girls' game in the NT.
- Luigi Andreoli (NT Rugby Union) – NT Rugby Union Vice President whose work spans venue upgrades, matchday management and helping rebuild rugby in Central Australia.
- Tauraa Exham (South Darwin Rugby Union Club) – Supporting player development within the club while building bridges across sporting codes, communities, and regions.
- Paeatia “Pae” Reea (Palmerston Rugby Union Club / NT Representative Program) – a coach and mentor whose commitment to diversity and inclusive sport is changing lives.
- Xavier Martin (Dingo Cubs Rugby Union Club) – a driving force for rugby’s return to Alice Springs, bringing passion and leadership to the Central Australian game.
These volunteers represent just a small fraction of the many selfless individuals who support rugby across our regions. For every person we name, there are countless others working quietly in the background—coaches, team managers, canteen helpers, first aid officers, committee members, ground marshals, and more—each playing an essential role.
To each and every volunteer across the Northern Territory rugby community: thank you.
You are the reason our sport is possible.
As part of this year’s theme, "Something for Everyone", and the Australian Sports Commission’s campaign to Give 3 Cheers for Volunteers, we encourage everyone in our community to celebrate the volunteers who bring rugby to life and put them on the map by visiting volmap.gov.au.
Let’s keep sharing their stories, honouring their impact, and ensuring they feel the appreciation they so richly deserve—not just this week, but all year round.
