Glenvale State School set to host inaugural Primary Interschools Reconcilation Touch Carnival

A new touch football carnival featuring teams from across the Darling Downs is ready to take on racism and segregation. Here’s how the event plans to educate and inspire the next generation of young student athletes.

Year 6 Glenvale State School students Lucy Hellyar and Connor Whittaker will play in the inaugural Primary Interschools Reconciliation Touch Carnival hosted by their school. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Educate, inspire and unite – these are the goals of the inaugural Primary Interschools Reconcilation Touch Carnival.

Glenvale State School will play host to the event on Wednesday, May 28 with 10 teams from nine different Darling Downs schools in action.

Co-organiser Fiona Charles said the goal of the carnival, which mirrors a high school aged event last year, was to educate and empower young students.

Fiona Charles prepares to host the inaugural Primary Interschools Reconciliation Touch Carnival at Glenvale State School. Picture: Kevin Farmer

With every team needing to field male, female, Indigenous and non-Indigenous players, Ms Charles said the carnival was the perfect way to unite and educate young minds.

“It is really important we have these conversations because there are still a lot of people who do not understand the significance and importance of Reconciliation Week,” she said.

“This carnival is a way to start important conversations about things like racism, the importance of unity and generally raise awareness and educate.

“Hopefully from here the students and teams go away … think and talk about these issues.”

Inspired by carnival she attended, Charles and a dedicated group of volunteers have been hard at work since October.

With generous support from a number of local businesses and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki she said students will also finish the carnival with at least one lasting memory.

“I attended a high school event last year and it was a great success,” Charles said.

“I was so inspired I said then (last year) we need to have a carnival just like it but for primary schools.

“So many people from across the Darling Downs have come together to support us.

“Thanks to that amazing generosity every team member will be able to take their specially designed jersey home with them to keep.”