Thanks to the support of Experience Gold Coast, the Queensland Touch Football community came together in full force on Monday, 1 December, for the 2025 QTF Awards Night at RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast. Held immediately after the Queensland State Cup and on the same day as the QTF Conference, the evening capped off an incredible few days of connection, learning, and celebration during the Festival of Touch.
This year’s event welcomed more than 340 guests, including athletes, referees, coaches, administrators, volunteers, affiliates, and the family and friends who proudly supported them. The night recognised excellence, commitment, innovation, and leadership, but above all, it celebrated community.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening was the induction of three new members into the Queensland Touch Football Hall of Fame: Renee Murphy, Tanya Sewter, and Craig Pierce (Vale). Their inclusion brings the Hall to 12 members, following last year’s inaugural class. Each inductee has made a profound and lasting contribution to the sport in Queensland.
Renee Murphy delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the true meaning of touch football:
“It’s not about the wins or the games — it’s about the people. The connections you make and the relationships you build. The memories you create while you’re in this sport are things you will treasure until your dying day.”
Tanya Sewter spoke with deep emotion about her journey and those who shaped it, while Craig Pierce’s legacy was honoured by his two sons, who accepted the award on his behalf with moving reflections.
Award recipients across the evening also shared reflections that highlighted the spirit of the sport. Elite Coach of the Year, BMTA’s David Crase, expressed gratitude: “I feel like I’ve been blessed my whole coaching career. Amazing mentors, incredible experiences — I love what this sport offers and the people who make it special.”
That sentiment echoed again when Redlands Touch was announced as Large Affiliate of the Year. General Manager Jason Hemson captured their passion: “We love touch. That’s what we do. We’re here to invigorate the community and get touch football played at our fields — and that’s what we love at Redlands.”
As the night concluded, there was a strong sense of unity and momentum. After three of five key Festival of Touch events, the Awards Night left the community energised and inspired, setting the tone for the final two events to round out an extraordinary celebration of touch football.
Now, as the Festival of Touch officially wraps up, we reflect on ten days of connection, competition, and collaboration that showcased the very best of our sport.
Congratulations to all nominees, finalists, award recipients, and our newest Hall of Fame members. Your contribution strengthens our game and the community that makes it special.
