Northern Territory Cricket has nominated two Territorians for Cricket Australia’s National Community Cricket Awards, with Tracy Village Cricket Club’s Ekam Dhillon (Young Leader of the Year) and Darwin & Districts Cricket Competition umpire Kevin La Faber (Community Match Official of the Year) recognised for their contributions to the game.
The National Community Cricket Awards are Cricket Australia’s highest recognition for individuals, clubs and associations who have made a positive impact in community cricket. The awards span 15 categories, including volunteering, officiating, participation, diversity and inclusion, and program development.
The Northern Territory has had four national recognitions since the awards began in 2016, with Marcus Rosas (Official of the Year, Winner, 2021), John Tate (Volunteer of the Year, highly commended, 2024), Mel Nixon (Women and Girls Initiative of the Year, Winner, 2025) and Chrissie Ponter (National Volunteer of the Year, Winner, 2025) recognised.
Ekam Dhillon
Young Leader of the Year Nominee
The Young Leader of the Year award recognises a young person under 25 who has made a positive impact through leadership and volunteering. Ekam Dhillon has established herself as a leader through her involvement as both a player and volunteer at Tracy Village Cricket Club and within the wider Darwin cricket community. She plays in Women’s Division 1 and serves as Vice-Captain of TVCC’s Under 15 side, where she is respected by teammates for the way she leads and supports those around her.
Off the field, Ekam is a consistent presence across NT Cricket programs including Woolworths Cricket Blast, Girls Only Colour Blast and Social Smash. She works closely with younger players, particularly girls entering the game, helping them feel comfortable and confident as they take their first steps in cricket. One of the more personal examples of Ekam’s impact came during a women’s Social Smash session she was helping deliver. Among the participants was her own mother, trying cricket for the first time. Ekam supported her through the session, helping her settle in and enjoy the experience.
Ekam’s leadership extends into representative cricket, where she captained the Northern Territory Under 16 Female team at the 2025/26 National Championships. Having now competed at back-to-back national championships, she has played a key role in building a close and connected group, with the team recognised through the Spirit of Cricket Award.
Her contribution has also been recognised at club level through the 2025 Lee Mettner Leadership Award at Tracy Village Cricket Club. Ekam continues to contribute to club initiatives including Pink Stumps Day and other community activities, reflecting her ongoing commitment to the people and programs that support cricket in the Territory.
Kevin La Faber
Community Match Official of the Year Nominee
The Community Match Official of the Year award recognises individuals who lead by example in delivering safe, fair and enjoyable cricket. Kevin La Faber has progressed into a senior umpiring role within the Darwin & Districts Cricket Competition since beginning in the Northern Territory in 2024. He now officiates across Premier and social competitions, covering men’s, women’s and junior matches.
Kevin brings a calm presence to every game, helping set the tone for how matches are played and ensuring players feel respected and supported on the field. His background as a player informs the way he communicates, particularly with junior and developing cricketers, taking the time to explain decisions and help build their understanding of the game.
Across the 2025 season, Kevin officiated 33 matches, spanning junior, senior and social competitions. Beyond match day, he continues to support the development of other umpires through knowledge sharing and encouraging others to build their skills, contributing to the long-term strength of officiating in the Territory. His contribution in this space was recognised with the Darwin & Districts Cricket Competition Women’s Umpire of the Year award.
These nominations reflect the role of volunteers, leaders and officials in delivering cricket across the Northern Territory.
Winners of the 2025/26 National Community Cricket Awards will be announced during National Volunteer Week from 18 to 24 May 2026.