The Annual Local Government (LG) Touch Carnival took place in Parkes last weekend with 30 teams participating in the 23rd staging of the event.
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Although a little on the warm side, it was a great last day of summer weather which greeted the teams who travelled from Brisbane, Moree, Cessnock, Dubbo, Forbes, Gosford, Port Stephens, Wagga Wagga and Wyong, along with many local government areas in the Sydney region.
From 9am last Saturday, the primarily local government teams battled it out on seven playing fields at Cheney Park.
“The Touch Carnival is a unique opportunity for Local Government staff to network and many friendships are made during the event,” Parkes Shire Council’s Events Development Officer Chia Barlow said.
“All up, the day featured seven hours of quality and sometimes intense touch football action.
“St John First Aid volunteers saw only a few minor injuries this year, however a more serious case of a broken finger incident was referred to the local hospital,” she said.
After the finals, hundreds of players then moved on to the Parkes Bowling & Sports Club for the barbecue, presentation of trophies and prize money, followed by networking and socialising.
The presentations were conducted by Deputy Mayor, Cr Alan Ward, Brad Byrnes and “Alivs” Al Gersbach.
The carnival results were as follows:
Mens A (the Greenwood Cup) - Parkes UPPA 6 def Brisbane/Redlands City Councils 2; Best Player - Sam Dwyer (Parkes).
Mens B - Willoughby City Council 8 def Cessnock City Council 1; Best Player - Dennis from Willoughby.
Mixed A - Parkes UPPA 13 def Wagga Wagga City Council 2; Best Player - Codie Wakefield (Parkes).
Mixed B - Brisbane/Redlands City Councils 3 def Forbes Shire Council 0; Best Player - Phil from Brisbane.
Mixed C - Port Stephens Council 6 def Kogarah City Council 5.
Mixed D - Parkes Shire Council 6 def Wyong Shire Council 3; Best Player - Brook Cusack (Parkes).
Best Presented Team - Brisbane/Redlands City Council Tilted Kilts and Tartan Tarts; honourable mention to Wagga Wagga City Council ‘Where’s Wally’ uniform.
“Some of the teams put a lot of effort into their uniform which really adds to the atmosphere and fun of the Carnival,” Ms Barlow added.
“The Parkes Touch Carnival Committee thanks Parkes Sports Council and Parkes Touch Association for their assistance with this popular annual sporting event which is much appreciated.
“The carnival injected an estimated $80,000 tourism spend into the local community over the course of the weekend and Parkes Shire Council is now looking forward to welcoming all the teams back in 2016 for the 24th running of the event,” she said.
