Emergency Services Swap Duty For Touch Carnival Fundraising

By Hannah McNamara

After 13 years of bringing together Mackay’s emergency services, retired QPS Senior Sergeant Dave Parnell and his team have continued their tradition of giving back to the community.

Each year, the annual touch football carnival gathers local police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency workers, both retired and presently serving, for a day of friendly competition and fundraising.

“This year our funds are going towards the Kidney Support Foundation, and we’re here to hand that money over to them today,” Mr Parnell said.

“The carnival raised $1,560 for the charity, chosen in part because kidney disease has affected several members of the emergency services community,” he added.

Paula O’Neil, Operations Manager at the Kidney Support Network in Mackay, said the donation was vital for their work.

“Without donations like this, we just wouldn’t survive financially.

“We don’t get any government funding, so all our funds come from revenue from our op shops and any donations like this really help us provide additional services,” she explained.

Paula added that the funds help keep the charity’s vehicles on the road, transporting dialysis patients to and from hospital appointments.

“It’s extremely vital. People with kidney disease often can’t drive after their treatment, so without someone to take them, it would be a burden on families, carers and even Queensland Ambulance.”

Mr Parnell said the carnival began as a way for emergency workers to connect outside of challenging job circumstances.

“We often meet each other under traumatic circumstances, and this is a place we can come together, have a bit of fun, as well as a bit of competition between the different organisations.”

Mackay Fire Station Officer Matt Geiger, who has been involved from the start, added, “It was a cracking idea… not many opportunities exist where all the emergency services get to come together outside of work. It’s something everyone looks forward to every year.”

Chris Breckell, President of Mackay Touch Association, also highlighted the community impact of the event.

“It’s been going now for 13 years and over that time there’s been $10,000 donated to charities. It’s a very worthwhile event, and we’re very honoured to be a part of it.”

And of course, it couldn’t happen without competitive spirit and a friendly amount of banter on the day.

“They come down, they enjoy themselves, and the camaraderie between the three services shows right throughout the day. All games are very competitive, and none goes without some sort of drama,” Mr Breckell laughs.

The carnival’s community impact has been officially recognised as well, winning a Queensland Community Award.

Mr Parnell said the recognition was meaningful but secondary to the main goal.

“We don’t do it for the awards; we do it because we want to give back to the community that we work within.”

From friendly rivalries on the field to supporting vital local services, the emergency services touch carnival continues to strengthen Mackay’s community while making a difference for local charities in the region.

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This year, Mackay’s emergency services touch football carnival raised $1,560 for the Kidney Support Foundation, combining friendly competition with vital community support. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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