By Lana Eather.

When Dubbo Photo News organised to meet our Volunteer of the Month it was no surprise we found her at the Dubbo Touch Fields. She was spending an action-packed morning refereeing a school touch gala day. Tracey Whillock has spent the majority of her life volunteering in various capacities for many sporting clubs and organisations.

“I initially started volunteering because my mum was heavily involved in our small hometown sporting clubs and I wanted to help her out. Like my mum, I have a strong passion for sport and sport has always been a part of my life. It has allowed me to stay fit and healthy, but also provided me with amazing lifelong best friends. I have met so many wonderful people and have so many great memories through sport so I just wanted to give back,” said Tracey. 

Tracey has been involved with Dubbo Touch Association for 15 years and Dubbo Public School P&C for five years. She is currently secretary for both organisations as well as assisting fundraising, refereeing in local competitions, supporting the organisation of the Dubbo Touch representative programs, coaching junior and senior representative touch teams. 

This year Dubbo hosted the NSW Touch Junior State Cup Northern Conference which saw more than 10,000 people come to Dubbo for three days of competition. The event was hugely successful with Dubbo receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. As a result, Dubbo won the tender to host the event for the next three years. 

“The success of the event was attributed to strong partnerships and collaboration between Dubbo Regional Council, Dubbo Touch Association, and NSW Touch. The months of hard work to organise the event was well worth it, so that our kids have the opportunity to play in a state tournament in their own backyard and to also see the economic benefit for not only Dubbo but the region,” said Tracey.

The success of such events is also a credit to the effort of volunteers like Tracey with countless hours of input often not acknowledged. “I enjoy volunteering as I am working with a group of fabulous and dedicated individuals to make a difference. I find volunteering rewarding and I love the thought of providing my children and other children with the same opportunities I had to play sport, lead a healthy lifestyle as well as make friendships.”