Brawl at Cootamundra Ex-Servicemens club investigated by Riverina Police District

The NSW Touch Association has vowed to take action against any members found to have participated in a mass brawl in Cootamundra on Saturday night. 

Association general manager Dean Russell said the organisation had contacted police.

“We’re still trying to get to the bottom of what happened through the police,” Mr Russell said. 

“If it’s found that individuals from the touch community were involved we will deal with them.”

Cootamundra Touch Carnival Co-ordinator Tisha McTavish said the event on the field over both Saturday and Sunday had been a fantastic success, but she could not control people’s behaviour beyond that.

“Everyone’s jumped to conclusions. It’s a pity it’s attracted all this bad publicity because it will inevitably affect future tournaments,” she said.

EARLIER

Police are seeking answers to how a brawl broke out at the Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s club on Saturday night.  

Superintendent Bob Noble, district commander of the Riverina, said there was a function at the club and a report about a fight at 11.40pm. 

“We have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding that footage,” he said.

“There was some footage circulating the incident which has made it very helpful for police investigating. 

“Certainly there were no serious injuries and there were none reported by police at the time.” 

Superintendent Noble said police also checked in with the hospital to ensure no had been admitted after the fight.

“Police were rostered in Cootamundra and they were tied up with another job, so I believe it took police 20 minutes to respond,” he said.

Superintendent Noble said, in response to comments this situation demonstrates a need for more police, the public should not be concerned.

“I don’t think any commander would say no to having more police delivered to their doorstep,” he said.

“I think the staffing on the night was appropriate, the rostering was appropriate and I am satisfied the response was appropriate.

“We roster around known data...the timeliness and the response itself was appropriate.”

Superintendent Noble said they encourage anyone with footage to supply that to police to detect how the brawl started.

“Obviously a significant number of people joined in the melee,” he said.

“We’re just thankful that no one was seriously hurt.

“Police are working with the management of the club.” 

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or visiting the online reporting page.

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