Jets’ tight-knit values are also big in this sport-loving family

IF Kylie Duggan is playing or training on a basketball court or footy field, her parents Kay and Frank usually aren’t too far away.

Duggan’s heritage is Nyikina (father’s side) and Thursday Islander (mother’s side).

“We all moved to Adelaide as a family when me and (older brother) Matthew wanted to pursue our (respective) basketball and football careers,” said Duggan, who played statelevel basketball for both Woodville in Adelaide and Coburg in Melbourne.

“My parents have been my rock – they’ve guided me through everything I’ve done in life. I would be nothing without them, and they are very special to me. As a family we all moved to Adelaide, and then Melbourne together.

“And then my parents moved back up to Darwin with me. We’re a very tight-knit family. Mum always comes and watches my basketball games, and Dad will come and watch my big basketball games. He’ll always come and watch me play footy. I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me.

“I was also very lucky to have grown up with great role models around me, two really important strong women being my nannas, Dorothy Duggan (nee Fraser) and Edna Wilson (nee Irlandas) – both no longer with us. They set the foundation for me and I hope to pass that on to my own children.” With this background, it is no surprise why Duggan is so passionate about her role as a program co-ordinator with the Stars Foundation at Casuarina Senior College.

“I want to be known as someone who can help and inspire kids when they need it,” she said. “Sport and education are great ways for kids to stay on the right track.”

“I’m so happy my kids, Kaylani and Jovi, are involved in sport and growing up just like the way I did in the sporting community.

“Sport is the saviour for a lot of kids in Darwin, and the Future Stars and Clontarf programs help them stay on track.

“And if they fall down we’ll be there to pick them back up again.”