Tributes flow for young NT Aussie rules talent, Nicholas-Roma Tipungwuti, after recent passing
Family have paid tribute to the teenage cousin of NT AFL legend Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti after his shock death.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A TEENAGER and young football star has been remembered as a person whose smile, laughter and loving nature touched the lives of everyone he knew after his sudden death.
Emotional tributes have flooded after Nicholas-Roma Tipungwuti, otherwise known as ‘Tippa’, died from a sudden illness on May 14.
He was just 19-years-old.
The Sandgate Hawks Aussie rules football player carried the same nickname as his cousin, former Essendom Bombers star and Northern Territory local Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, who called time on his AFL career last week.
Tipungwuti was born in Darwin and grew up in a small outstation on the Tiwi Islands, called Ranku community, alongside his parents, older siblings and extended family.
He was raised in Brisbane and attended several catholic primary schools before starting high school at St Patricks College, where he found his passion for volleyball.
“But that couldn’t beat his love for AFL like most Tiwi Kids, then he finished up and headed back to the Tiwi Islands,” his sister, Nikkita Tipungwuti said.
Tipungwuti was supposed to be on his way to Cairns for training next month after being accepted into the Australian navy.
“Tippa enjoyed, fishing with family and hunting with his brothers, nephews and cousins as well as swimming at the local waterhole with his nieces and nephews,” Nikkita said.
“He travelled through the Tiwi Islands on both sides, through all four communities leaving behind his contagious smile and outgoing personality.
“All four communities on the Tiwi Islands will miss him dearly because he was a caring, outgoing, brave young man, he cared for many and gave everyone anything even when he had little.”
Luke Royes, the Program Leader – Liberating Education at St Patrick’s College, also paid tribute to their former student.
“Nicholas was a student at St Patrick’s from 2015 to 2019. During this time, he was involved in many aspects of college life as a talented sportsperson, representing the school in volleyball and AFL, a proud advocate of First Nations issues, and a friend to many.
“Nick’s lively personality reached across all social groups, his infectious laugh and confidence ensured he was known by all.
“He was always proud of his family and his culture, and as an active member of the First Nations students’ group, he was always willing to share his cultural knowledge with staff and students.
“He quite often led the way presenting on school assemblies during acknowledgments of Country, and other events, through his words and through dance.
“In the tragedy of his passing the college community will always remember Nicholas as Paddy’s boy. We send our condolences to Roma, his siblings, and all his family and friends.”
His football club paid tribute to him on their Facebook page, with all of the Sandgate Hawks teams wearing black armbands on the weekend in memory of the youngster.
“Last week we lost a beautiful young man Nicholas-Roma Tipungwuti (Tippa),” the post said.
“A lot of you won’t know him or remember him but for the many who did, he touched our hearts in a special way.
“His smile, laughter and love for everybody was profound.
“Tippa had football talents that would amaze anybody, but his carefree nature only allowed us to see glimpses.
“He could have been anything but all he wanted to be was Nick.
“Indigenous round is about you Nick. May you Rest In Peace Nicholas-Roma Tipungwuti #15#sandgate.”
Others from the Sandgate Hawks community joined in paying tribute to Tipungwuti.
“RIP Nick you were such a beautiful soul. I remember when my son started Grade 1 and whenever you saw him you high five’d him. You made him feel special and for that I will never forget you️, such an amazing young man,” one comment said.
“This is very sad to hear. I taught Nick in Grade 5 and I will never forget that cheeky smile and infectious giggle. Lots of love to his family, especially his mum, who is a beautiful lady,” another post said.
More Coverage
Originally published as Tributes flow for young NT Aussie rules talent, Nicholas-Roma Tipungwuti, after recent passing
People’s choice: Vote for your best player from the 2024-25 NTFL season
After 18 rounds of competition the NTFL finals are here and plenty of players have made a name for themselves. Now’s your chance to vote who you think was the best men’s and women’s player of the season.
‘It gets easier’: NT foster care success story shares his journey
A boy who went through five foster homes in Alice Springs says the experience taught him how resilient people could be in ‘tremendously difficult circumstances’.