Narrandera Shire Council has waived the hire charge for the Narrandera sportsground for the NSW Police Force 2025 Police Charity Golden Boot Carnival next month.

The charge will be funded from the mayor and general manager donations funds.

Event organisers will undertake much of the ground preparation including field markings and will clean up following the event.

The Golden Boot Touch Football Carnival is run by local NSW Police officers for emergency service workers from across this region, the Central West Slopes, Victoria, and Sydney.

Accommodation, food, and other services are sourced locally by visiting players.

The carnival has been run on and off since the late 1980’s but has been conducted as a fundraising event for the past 12 years.

Over the years more than $115,000 has been raised, benefitting many local organisations and individuals.

Last year over $14,000 was raised and donated to the family of Sgt Kerry Bartlett from the Riverina Police District, whose son suffered a horrific injury whilst playing rugby league resulting in many months of rehabilitation.

Through NSW Police Legacy, funds raised this year will be donated to the family of a young constable who tragically lost his life in a car accident on the way home from work earlier in the year, leaving behind a very young family.

The organisers have also been recently made aware of a local Narrandera emergency services worker who has recently been given a cancer diagnosis.

The day grows bigger each year, with close to 350 participants attending last year providing a great economic boost to the town. The day also gives their city colleagues the chance to enjoy time in regional NSW providing a small boost to the local economy.

Council has previously supported this event financially:

• 2024 - $1200

• 2023 - $1000

• 2022 - $491

• 2021 - $491

• 2020 – Not Held

• 2019 - $461

• 2018 - $461

• 2017 - $450

• 2016 - $500

• 2015 - $489.70

The Police Charity Golden Boot Touch Football competition is an annual event held at Narrandera, with the event attracting participants from across NSW and Victoria. NSW Police Force has identified costs which require support from Council to ensure the event remains viable.