Welcome to the first winter edition of Sixty Seconds in Touch for 2005...

* CHEAP FLIGHTS FOR ALL NATIONS TOURNAMENT: Both Virgin Blue and Qantas have current specials and Red-e-deals at the moment for flights to Christchurch New Zealand. So if you're a senior player or spectator yet to book your airfare, it may be worth checking out prices now. If you are wanting our travel provider to manage your travel for you, simply use this link to go to a story with all of their contact details and information: IST SPORTS TOURS STORY

* The June edition of the Touch-e-Talk newsletter is on the ATA website, simply click on the story on the homepage or use the `Newsletters' link on the left hand side of the homepage. It's full of stories and info and is even bigger than the May edition, including the new Volunteer of the Month.

* The Editors of the newsletter are keen to recognise some of the countless volunteers at all levels of the sport, so if there is someone who has been serving your local or regional area please send some short details to ata_newsletter@hotmail.com

* If you would like to join the mailing list for the newsletter, simply send a quick email to media@austouch.com.au and let us know, then you'll receive the July edition direct to your email address.

* Rachel's latest article is also up on the Sports News website, simply go to http://www.austouch.club//index.cgi?det=1&intArticleID;=1296&sID;=46 for the link to the latest story and the link to all of the past Touch stories Rachel has written for the website. From the reports of the website editor, the Touch articles are one of the most popular on the website, so make sure you keep checking them out and proving to the sporting world that there's a large group of Touch lovers out there keen to see Touch written about and published in the sporting arena.

* The ATA has announced the Special General Meeting (SGM) will be held on June 25, with the focus on the proposed constitutional changes for Australian Touch. It's certainly going to be a big day at the office on that Saturday with a lot of work to be done, if you're interested in all of the proposed changes and what they mean for you check out this link http://www.austouch.club/index.cgi?det=1&intArticleID;=1294&sID;=46 for all of the documents relating to the proposed changes and the meeting on June 25. Exciting times ahead for Touch around Australia!

* The NSW Country sides have been announced for the Country vs City tournament in September 2005. The full list is on the NSW Touch website.

* Queensland are firing with the AusTouch program, with Chinchilla (one of the latest centres to take off) having 117 kids take part in the program. Thank you Terry McSweeney, Philip Gyemore and Brenda Rackeman for their hard work in setting up and administering the centre. Congratulations to all involved at Chinchilla Touch for making this the largest centre so far!

The AusTouch program is bringing huge numbers of junior players into the Touch Footy stream and is helping us ensure a bright future for the sport. For more info on AusTouch in your state contact your relevant State Association.

* The ACT Touch Association is running a level 1 coaching course on Saturday June 18. Give ACT Touch a call on (02) 6285 4977 if you're interested.

* Touch SA have kicked off their State League for 2005. Good luck to all involved, it's great to see another successful start to the season for Touch in South Australia.

* Touch in Victoria is looking for applications for several coach, assistant coach and manager positions. The sides include both Mens and Womens in various divisions such as Under 15's, Under 18's, Opens and Over 30's . Make sure you go to www.victouch.com.au

* TouchWest held their North West Championships over the weekend, with Karratha and Broome looking the goods. For all the info on results check out: http://www.touchwest.com./nwchamps/index.html For a State with such a large region to cover with a lot of desert land between Touch towns and centres, the Touchies from WA are proving they're fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in Australian Touch.

* ATA merchandise staff are currently stocktaking all merchandise from recent events and supplies, so keep an eye on the website because there will be specials and discounts offered soon.

* Remember, Rachel is keen to help your local players and associations grab some media coverage whenever possible. With events such as the All Nations fast approaching, this is a great opportunity to promote our people and the sport. Already Suzy Barrett, Matt and Maree Curran, Rachel Holden, Andrew Baggio, Phil Gyemore, Bo De La Cruz, Mary-Anne and Lawrence Fisher and Renee Sealey are just some of the players who have had stories published about them in their local papers for being selected in Open squads or Senior sides for the All Nations tournament. If you are interested in trying to gain some media coverage contact Rachel at media@austouch.com.au


By Rachel Moyle