Last week, staff from across the Touch Football community came together on the Northern NSW coastline for the 2026 Whole of Sport Conference, hosted by Touch Football Australia in Kingscliff.
Held under the theme United by Touch, the two and a half day conference brought together staff from Touch Football Australia and all Alliance States, Queensland Touch Football, New South Wales Touch Football and Alliance states, creating an important opportunity for the sport to connect, collaborate and continue shaping the future of Touch Football together.
Hosted at Peppers Salt Resort, the conference focused on strengthening relationships across the sport while encouraging open conversation, shared learning, teamwork and strategic thinking.
Across the week, staff participated in leadership discussions, strategy sessions, workshops, group activities and networking opportunities designed to enhance communication and alignment across all areas of the game.
From CEO panels and code of conduct discussions to breakout sessions, values workshops and team activities, the conference reinforced the importance of working together as one sport.
One of the standout elements of the conference was the opportunity for staff from different states and organisations to connect face-to-face, share experiences and better understand the challenges and successes occurring across the wider Touch Football landscape.
The final day of the conference featured a series of engaging breakout sessions led by Darren Shand, whose experience and leadership created meaningful discussion amongst staff. His sessions encouraged collaboration, problem-solving and reflection, helping staff think differently about leadership, teamwork and the future direction of the sport.
The conference also provided an opportunity to celebrate the people who continue to contribute to the growth of Touch Football across Australia, with service recognition awards presented to staff from across the sport during the event.
Most importantly, the Whole of Sport Conference highlighted the strength of connection that exists within the Touch Football community. While staff may work across different states and organisations, the week reinforced a shared passion and commitment to growing the sport and creating positive experiences for participants right across the country.
United by Touch was more than just a conference theme it reflected the collective vision, collaboration and community that continues to drive the sport forward.
During the conference, Touch Football Australia, Queensland Touch Football and NSW Touch Football came together to acknowledge staff members who have dedicated years of service to the Touch Football community.
In a sport built on people, these milestones represent the passion, commitment and care shown behind the scenes to help deliver competitions, pathways, events, programs and opportunities for participants right across the country.
NSW Touch Football proudly recognised Josh Benham, Robert Pidgeon and Henrik Anthony on reaching seven years of continuous service to the sport. Through their work across events, competitions, operations, pathways and community engagement, each has played an important role in supporting the ongoing success and growth of Touch Football across New South Wales.
Dean Russell was also acknowledged for 24 years of continuous service to NSW Touch Football. Across more than two decades, Dean’s contribution has helped shape the organisation both on and off the field, leaving a lasting impact across the Touch Football community.
The conference also celebrated Kylie Hearne on her incredible 33 years of continuous service to NSW Touch Football. A highly respected and much-loved member of the Touch Football community, Kylie’s dedication and commitment over more than three decades has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the sport across New South Wales and beyond.