Beloved umpire Kiim Parnell honoured as association makes Breast Cancer donation

A beloved umpire and police woman has been honoured by her association after she died after a tough five-year battle with breast cancer.

The NTFL Umpire’s Association has paid tribute to one of its beloved members who died from breast cancer ahead of the current footy season.

Kiim Parnell, who received a Meritorious Service Award in 2021 for her long time services in the NT Police Force, died on May 16, 2023, after a five year battle with the disease.

She also dedicated plenty of time to sport umpiring in the NTFL between 2014 and 2022 with more than 134 regular season games, 13 finals and seven grand finals across various grades.

And to honour her memory, as well as the entire Parnell family who have all umpired, the umpire’s association dedicated half of its funds from its annual auction to Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Association member and breast cancer survivor Sharyn Morcom said Ms Parnell’s death had hit close to home.

“It affected me because I’m a survivor myself, it was hard to take, Kiim fought bravely before passing away,” she said.

Ms Morcom is an active consumer representative for the NT within the BCNA and said the raising awareness and funds for the cause was paramount to finding the cure.

Sharyn Morcom, Sean Parnell and Umpire's Association president Mark Noonan present a cheque to the Breast Cancer Network Australia.

“It’s really tragic, it takes a lot to get through and so many women fight like troopers against this awful disease,” she said.

“The breast cancer group is a really strong, tight knit community, and we just need to build awareness around it.

“I believe that the only way to improve the outcomes for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer is through research and awareness.

“And that costs money, so as a group we were proud to contribute to BCNA.”

The umpire’s association has numbered lockers in its change room at TIO Stadium, which are put up for auction each year.

Senior Constable 1/C Kiim Parnell at a police ceremony in 2014.

Owners of the lockers can retain their locker for the fee of $50, while any vacant lockers are auctioned to the highest bidder with bids capped at $50.

“The auction provides a bit of fun and healthy competition amongst the umpiring group as we have more umpires than lockers,” Ms Morcom said.

BCNA chief executive, Kirsten Pilatti, said she was inspired by the dedication and spirit shown by the umpire’s association to gather funds for the cause.

“More than 20,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia this year alone,” she said.

“Every time someone is told they have breast cancer, the impact extends to their family, friends, and those around them in the community.

“On behalf of the team at BCNA and all the members we support, we want to say thank you for the effort, passion and inspiration provided by the NTFL Umpire’s Association.”

BCNA is the peak national organisation representing and supporting Australians affected by breast cancer, and last year more than 600 events were held to benefit BCNA in communities across Australia, from sporting clubs to groups of friends.