Baulkham Hills footy club BBQ legend crowned in national Bunnings search
BUNNINGS is celebrating another local footy club hero, with Amy Higgins from Baulkham Hills Hawks AFL being crowned one of Australia’s local BBQ legends as part of its nationwide Legend of the Tongs search - recognising the volunteers who keep Aussie rules footy clubs running, one snag at a time.
Now in its second year, the Legend of the Tongs shines a spotlight on the dedicated community members who show up week in, week out throughout the AFL and AFLW season, helping bring local footy to life both on and off the field.
This recognition celebrates Amy’s unwavering dedication to her club and the vital role she plays in creating a positive impact each week in their community.
For more than six years, Amy has been a dedicated volunteer at her local football club, first getting involved when her eldest son joined the Under 9s.
Today, all three of her children are part of the club community, with Amy’s roles spanning team manager, committee member, Child Protection Officer and Umpire Welfare Officer.
Whether she’s helping behind the barbecue, supporting players and families, or spending entire weekends at the grounds, Amy is committed to creating a welcoming and positive environment for every child who comes through the club.
For Amy, the club is much more than sport. As a mother of three boys, including two with autism, she values the strong sense of community and inclusion that makes every family feel supported.
Some of her proudest memories come from the club’s fundraising efforts, including its annual Motor Neurone Disease (MND) fundraiser, where players, families and volunteers come together to give back to the wider community. Amy’s dedication is driven by a simple goal, ensuring local kids have the opportunity to play, connect with friends and enjoy a positive experience every week.
As part of the prize, Baulkham Hills Hawks will receive a BBQ prize pack valued over $585, including a Jumbuck 6 Burner BBQ and a Bunnings pop-up marquee.
Amy is also now in the running to score a trip for two to attend the Toyota AFL Grand Final, and be crowned the overall ‘Legend of the Golden Tongs’, winning $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for their club.
The competition forms part of Bunnings’ 12th year in partnership with the AFL and runs across 18 weeks of the 2026 AFL season, recognising grassroots volunteers across both AFL and AFLW communities.
Bunnings Seven Hills Complex Manager, Tracy Jess, said the Legend of the Tongs initiative is about celebrating the people who make local footy possible.
“From firing up the BBQ to keeping everything running smoothly, volunteers like Amy are the heart of grassroots sport,” Tracy said.
“A master on the tongs, Amy brings skill, confidence and years of experience to every game day, juggling multiple orders with ease while keeping players and families well fed. Her passion and consistency make her a true Legend of the Tongs.”
Bunnings Head of Community, Sponsorship and Events, Michelle Walter, said the initiative celebrates the people who make local footy possible.
“Legend of the Tongs is all about recognising the heart of Australian rules football – the more than 200,000 volunteers who show up week in, week out to support their clubs,” said Walter.
“Following a hugely successful first year, we’re proud to bring Legend of the Tongs back in 2026, delivering practical equipment and support that helps grassroots AFL and AFLW clubs focus on what matters most – their people and their community,” said Walter.
The recognition comes as Bunnings research from 2025 highlights the essential role of BBQ, canteen and other food services volunteers in shaping club culture, with almost one in three (29 per cent) Australians saying their favourite volunteer role is firing up the barbie.
As part of the 2026 campaign:
• Each week, five ‘legends’ and their local club will win a BBQ prize pack valued at over $585.
• Eight shortlisted winners will score a trip for two to attend the Toyota AFL Grand Final, with some selected via a new public “community choice” vote.
• One overall winner will be crowned the ‘Legend of the Golden Tongs’, winning $25,000 in Bunnings products and materials for their local club
Nominations are now open, with winners announced weekly. Entries close on 16 August 2026.
Know a BBQ legend? Nominate your local footy club’s Legend of the Tongs at www.bunnings.com.au/legends
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