2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT | 1
Celebrating our 50th year and the contribution of our volunteers.
2017-2018 Annual Report www.walittleathletics.com.au
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VISION, MISSION & VALUES Athletics in Western Australia is the foundation sporting activity of choice
To develop the fitness and character of young people in Western Australia and to inspire them to achieve their full potential through athletics.
VISION
MISSION
VALUES Our shared values shall underpin everything we do and define who we are and what we stand for. We shall always; • Be open, honest, transparent and accountable • Value Diversity and Inclusivity • Act with Respect and Integrity • Be open to Innovation • Have Fun
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LAWA STRATEGIC PLAN Creating future opportunities (+ 3 years) Embracing the digital generation
Growing the Association (+ 2 years)
Attract, develop and retain athletes through new and improved events
Building the Foundation (+ 1 year)
Improving the efficiencies of Little Athletics WA
• Engaging athletes and families in a digital service. • Long term growth and sustainability of the sport. • Build partnership with like-minded organisations.
• Build pathways for athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers. • Athletic events that talk to the ‘now’ generation. • Grow and sustain membership base beyond ‘Olympic’ years. • ‘One Sport’ structure adopted.
• Consolidating & simplifying structure of Little Athletics WA. • Strengthening the profile of Little Athletics WA. • Cost efficiencies through supply and people productivity.
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2017-18 ACHIEVEMENTS 50
8,123
36
Number of years Little Athletics has been operating in WA
Members registered for 2017/18 season
371
12,754 Participated in LAPS Program for schools
Members used a Kidsport voucher to join Little Athletics
20
2,000
4,543
Members identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
Greg Clark from Melville LAC has been a volunteer for 20 years
Coles Bananas provided at State Events
1,244
44,642
Athletes took part in the 2018 State Track & Field Championships
Number of personal best results set by athletes
Centres in WA Plus 3 new Regional Centres identified for 2018/2019
1,179
Facebook Followers
31
Athletes have participated in Little Athletics for 11 years
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BOARD AND STAFF Chairman Teresa Blackman
Teresa Blackman was elected Chairman Little Athletics WA in Dec 2014. She was previously involved in coaching and administrative roles at Melville Little Athletics Centre. Teresa is an active member of the athletics community and currently a member of the Little Athletics Board, a Director with Athletics WA, and member of the Community Athletics Council WA. In her spare time, Teresa enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling and following the Kangaroos (Nth Melbourne) football team.
Director Megan Bye
Megan joined the Board in April 2016 as an Independent Director. She brings over 20 years of marketing and communications experience to Little Athletics WA. Megan has for 7 years owned a consultancy focussing on marketing strategy and online digital solutions. She has held a number of marketing manager roles in different industries and countries spanning both the government and the private sector. Megan is a keen outdoor sports enthusiast. She has competed in a number of road marathons, ultra-marathons, adventure races and marathon kayaking. She has two young boys and is passionate about exposing children to the wonder of the sport.
Director Lee Hutton
Lee Hutton came to the Board as a casual director in 2016 and is the only Director from a regional area. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and hope to continue in the role to help develop the strategic plan and expand the Little Athletics brand. As a first time Board member, it gives a wonderful insight into the workings and efforts of the members that are all involved in different aspects of the sport."
Director Bruce Wilkins
For 12 years Bruce has had a range of volunteer roles in Athletics; Club coach, Club President, Centre Arena manager, Centre Chairman, Centre Publicity Officer and now just completing around 2 ½ years as a Little Athletics Director. The challenge of the role still exists, and the focus is to make the sport engaging, enjoyable and to ensure that the LAWA organisation is here for another 50 years. Encouraging the centres to try new initiatives and to look at ways to retain membership is also high on the agenda to increase our viability as a thriving organisation.
Director Ryan Hawkins
Ryan has been an Independent Director of Little Athletics WA since November 2016. Ryan is currently employed as Senior Legal Counsel for the BGC group of companies where he provides advice on a range of contractual, health and safety, employment and dispute related issues. Ryan is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Company Directors course which he completed earlier this year. Outside of work, Ryan is kept busy by his 18 month old son and enjoys spending time with his family and keeping fit. Ryan is a volunteer lifesaver with the North Cottesloe Surf Lifesaving Club.
Director Graham Griffin
Graham has been involved in Little Athletics for seven years with his two daughters involved in the sport. He has seen the opportunities and challenges the sport can deliver to his children. He has been involved in a variety of administration and coaching tasks before he filled a casual vacancy on the Board and has very much enjoyed being involved on the Board for the past year. “I have welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the structural and strategic changes the Board is implementing”. He wishes to thank all the volunteers for their efforts in making our sport happen each week.
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Director Alison Moore
Alison has been an independent Director since November 2016. She currently works for the University of Notre Dame and brings excellent knowledge of sports administration and officiating, elite coaching and athlete development. She has a passion for building and sustaining Talent Pathways together with coaching elite female athletes having worked as the WAFC Female Talent Manager for 5 years. She was Australian Cross-Country Coach for 12 years, State Cross Country Manager for 21 years, State Track + Field Coach/Manager for 4 years. Her love of athletics resulted in the Specialised Athletics course for Year 8-12 students at Kelmscott SHS. Alison represented Melville in her teenage years after competing solidly at high school. She also spent over 30 years as an AFL boundary and field umpire. As an ex PE teacher, she enjoys all sports especially: athletics, AFL, volleyball, swimming, cycling, netball and tennis. She is keen to help drive and shape the sport of athletics for future sustainability and especially enjoys the winter months and cross country.
Director Fiona Bow
Fiona has been involved in athletics both here and in the UK for 30 years, as an athlete, coach, volunteer, official and from 2016 a Board Member of LAWA. Fiona is an accredited Level 2 Coach and has been coaching summer and winter training at Inglewood Little Athletics Club (ILAC) over the past three years. While in the UK she was involved strategically with expansion and development of the Club membership base, team participation, innovative event programs and fun based skill learning. She was involved in the merger of two diverse and culturally different athletics clubs, to bring together a regional club that could train, compete and oversee the running of the club more effectively. Fiona gained a BA (Honours) in Business, Sport and Recreation and is a qualified accountant, working within the professional, corporate, sporting and not for profit (NFP) industry. She currently work as Finance Manager for Nature Play WA an NFP organisation.
Staff CEO Vince Del Prete
From 2008, Vince has had a successful career as Team Leader for People Development with the Department of Sport and Recreation. He is acutely aware of the demands placed upon volunteers in sport having fulfilled numerous positions in sporting organisations including coach, team manager, club president and Board Director. Vince’s vast experience in sports management combined with leadership and business development skills, prove invaluable to Little Athletics as LAWA develop and grow the sport into the future, whilst ensuring the sustainability of athletics in WA. Member Services Manager Emma Pass Member Support Officer Heather Dalton Sport Development Manager Michelle Duffield - to September 2017 Danny Kevan - from September 2017 Competition & Development Officer Jake Trewin - from October 2017 Little Athletics Program for Schools Coordinator Rebecca Del Pup Finance Services Karen Price - to March 2018 Debbie Heath - from March 2018 Patron Dr Tony Buti (MLA)
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2017-18 ANNUAL REPORT Over the last 12 months LAWA has embraced many changes, refined programs and expanded its communication and reach, throughout the wider WA community following a period of significant change. This period of development and consolidation has also encompassed the requirement to conduct continuous review and improvement to provide the best product, services and delivery to our members. LAWA has only been able to achieve this through a team of dedicated, dynamic and innovative staff, ably led by our CEO Mr Vince Del Prete and with the assistance of teams of dedicated, and enthusiastic volunteers. This year marked the 50th year celebrations for Little Athletics in WA. The first Little Athletics competition in WA was held on 17 February 1968, at Perry Lakes with 200 athletes in attendance. Fifty years later we have grown to include 36 Centres across regional and metropolitan WA with over 8000 members and many thousands of volunteers, coaches and officials. This growth will continue in 2018/2019 with up to three new centres expected to be established. The celebratory year was launched at the 2017 LAWA State Conference with the assistance of our mascot, Cheego. In the following months an introductory video was released, and various functions were conducted at each State event where previous athlete award winners including State Captains, Doug Hancy award winners and former Athletes of the Year were acknowledged. In addition, each State medal winner throughout the season will have a memento to last a lifetime, after being awarded a limited edition 50th Anniversary medal. The premiere celebratory event for the season was the formal 50th anniversary function held on the picturesque shores of the Mounts Bay Yacht Club. Centre representatives including athlete centre captains, life members, volunteers, coaches, officials, Little Athletics Australia representatives, AWA representatives, LAWA Board and staff all attended to view the historical collection of Little Athletics memorabilia and to formally induct the 20 inaugural recipients of the Little Athletics
WA Roll of Achievers. Each inductee has achieved at a high level in their chosen sport, profession, occupation or community service and has acknowledged how Little Athletics has contributed to their success and made them who they are today. I congratulate each recipient on their award and thank them all again for their contribution and service to Little Athletics and to the wider community. Last year I reported that a ‘Whole of Sport’ approach to athletics in Western Australia had commenced. Through workshops, and member consultation, a Joint Strategic Plan between Little Athletics WA and Athletics WA was developed and released for the sport. The Strategic Plan outlines a blueprint for the sport and will guide the agenda and decision-making framework focusing on enhanced collaboration and growth within the sport of athletics in WA. Both athletics Boards have declared their commitment to achieving strategic objectives aiming to create efficiencies, and to contribute to the sports success, strength and sustainability into the future. Consultation with members will occur in the near future, as we embark on the next step of this process, being a joint organisational review. This review will scope opportunities which will ensure that both Little Athletics WA and Athletics WA have the right governance and/or organisational structure (and people and resources) in place, to capitalise on, and meet, the challenges of the contemporary sporting environment. The LAWA internal business sustainability model has continued to see progressive development in governance compliance and increased communication and assistance provided to member Centres. Centres continue to benefit from an increasing level of support and guidance, increasing efficiencies for our teams of volunteers. Ongoing engagement with the wider WA community has exceeded planning expectations and has significantly increased the brand awareness, profile and professional standing of Little Athletics in the sporting and commercial landscape. LAWA has formed partnerships with other sports, working together to achieve mutually beneficial aims such as an introduction to fundamental movements with gymnastics through the delivery of the Urban Jungle held in July,
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and the LAWA Nature Play Trail developed in partnership with Nature Play in March. Wider community engagement and partnership development is ongoing with Little Athletics involvement via community sectors, Local Government, inclusion providers, disability providers, multicultural engagement including Harmony Week in March and aboriginal partnerships including NAIDOC week in July. Our schools athletics program continues its reach into the community as we visited over 12,000 students across 59 schools. Following a major review of the Competition programs and delivery, working with the Competition Committee, competition lessons learnt have continued to be implemented to achieve a continuous improvement culture and increase efficiencies. In addition, new activities such as a Tiny Tots introduction and athlete activation areas during State Competition have been implemented to keep members and their families active and engaged in a family fun environment. With many events and competition being accessible to metropolitan members throughout the year, we must also remain cognisant of the needs for our regional and remote members. At the request of Country Centres, the Country Championships were held over the Australia Day Long weekend in 2018. A sincere thank you and acknowledgement to the City of Bunbury and Sports Marketing Australia who provided financial assistance to enable a fantastic event to be delivered. Congratulations to Bunbury LAC for hosting the event which was attended by athlete representatives from all 17 regional Centres! With an increasing number of memberships in the NW region and with the assistance of local communities and government agencies, we will be looking forward to delivering an event specifically to meet the NW competition season program this August with support from the City of Pilbara, LAA, Coles and other organisations in the North West. As we continue to review our participation programs there is a passion and ambition to drive change through innovative ideas that will add further value to the sport and wider community engagement. We are reaching further into communities and establishing a base line for targeted growth including
all abilities and cultural communities to greater reflect the demographics of society. We are engaging and developing a wider group of coaches to reach into schools through the Primary School program and for continued development into the club and centre coaching structures. Education and development of officials has been ongoing with the aim to develop a wide pool of officials to assist at all levels of the sport, through the assistance of the WA Officials Club. A young leaders program has been developed and will provide developmental pathways and mentorship opportunities for our youth. Nationally, Little Athletics Australia (LAA) has commenced a review of their Constitution and structure to meet best practice sports governance. The age group registration date standardisation advertised over the past 12 months will commence this coming season. LAWA will manage State implementation to ensure athletes in the transition months don’t miss representative opportunities. In April, LAA and Athletics Australia (AA) National Boards held their first ever joint Board meeting to discuss the ‘whole of sport’ benefits, aims, challenges and overall objectives. A joint working group was formed to develop principles to guide the future working relationship between the organisations with the development of short and medium-term initiatives. LAA will be progressing with a trial product called ‘On Track’ to be implemented across the U6 to U8 age group. This product is a skills-based product and assessed as better meeting the changing needs and demands of society. Whilst already in use in many Centres across Victoria, the product will be trialled by volunteer Centres across Australia, all of whom will have the opportunity to provide feedback to contribute to future development and implementation. Coles came onboard as a major National sponsor for athletics this year. The historic ‘whole of sport’ partnership resulted in over 2 million bananas in total being supplied to Little Athletics Centres across the nation each weekly. In addition, each Centre received a large marquee to provide additional shade during each competition. The in-store and national advertising campaign has provided widespread community exposure.
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2017-18 ANNUAL REPORT We look forward to continuing a positive and proactive engagement with Coles in the future.
At the October 2017 LAA Roll of Excellence awards held in Hobart, LAWA was excited and proud that WA nominees Kim Mickle and Rishelle Hume were inducted. As former Little Athletes, Kim was nominated for her outstanding performances in Athletics and Rishelle was inducted to the Achievers category. They are both outstanding members of the community and mentors for all within the sport, and wider community. I wish to acknowledge Dr Tony Buti, MLA for his support in the role of Patron of Little Athletics WA over the past year. Dr Buti was a former little athlete and understands the value and importance that sport has on the growth, development and health benefits for athlete and volunteers. His support and attendance at events over the year has been appreciated and we thank you for your continued advocacy. This was the first year of our successful partnership with Healthway and I wish to acknowledge and thank them for their ongoing support. It has been a pleasure to be in partnership with a likeminded organisation who has been able to assist in promoting the healthy lifestyle message out to our community. The bright green shade shelters provided to each Centre assist with the visibility of our health message and have been very much appreciated. We look forward to continuing our partnership. Thank you to WA Government agencies who have assisted with providing assistance to the ongoing support and education to our members over the year. We are also very grateful for the financial assistance through grants, which has enabled us to progress our reach and education to aboriginal communities, inclusion communities and for the development of the youth leadership program. We were also fortunate during the year to have several Little Athletics relay teams participate in the Queens Baton Relay celebrations at the Athletics WA Stadium as the baton passed through WA on its way to the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
A special thank you to Rishelle Hume and Des Headland who have both been proactive ambassadors within the aboriginal communities and instrumental to the success of targeted come and try events. Thank you to City of Cockburn and Special Olympics for their assistance in coordinating targeted inclusion come and try events early in the season.
We are pleased to be associated with several proud and like-minded WA businesses over the past year. Our partnerships have enabled us to continue to deliver the best services and education to our members. Thank you to Landmark for enabling us to reach our remote and regional communities; ISC as our uniform supplier; Keep on Running as our footwear supplier; Prime Podiatry for support services at State Events; World Wide Printing for ongoing printing support and collaboration of our 50th anniversary publication; AFSG for your financial services and advice; OZ Athletics Kids for local equipment support and Fortescue Mining for contribution to the NW Championships. We are also proud to have shared partnerships with a wide variety of organisations including Perth Children’s Hospital, Nature Play WA, Gymnastics WA, WA Football Commission, Volunteering WA, Inclusion WA, Office of Multicultural Interests, Communicare, Edmund Rice Foundation, WA Sports Federation and state and local government. Thank you also to the staff and Board of AWA for your ongoing commitment to increasing growth, capacity, relevance and effectiveness of athletics in WA. It has been a pleasure to continue to Chair a Board of personnel that possess a diverse mix of skills and expertise, a passion for junior sport, and the strategic vision for the sustainable future of the sport. I would like to sincerely thank each of the Directors, Bruce, Megan, Fiona, Lee, Ryan, Alison and Graham, for their personal contribution and support throughout the year and ongoing commitment.
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I also want to acknowledge and praise the CEO, Vince Del Prete and the entire Little Athletics WA staff for their contribution, leadership, and innovation throughout the year. The significant contribution and personal investment each member has dedicated to deliver, develop, and grow the sport is highly commendable. My personal thanks to our current team Vince, Emma, Heather, Danny, Jake, Rebecca, and Debbie for all you do for the sport. I also wish to acknowledge Karen Price’s contribution to the Association. Karen departed in March 2018 after five years of service as our bookkeeper, however her contribution extended well beyond this role as she provided coordination and competition assistance throughout the years. We also the farewelled Michelle Duffield, Sport Development manager in September 2017, and we thank her for the contribution made to the sport. To the Little Athletics WA community, athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers, thank you for all that you have contributed to ensure the collective success and ongoing support for the sport. The hours that you all dedicate to ensure the sustainability of the sport and allow our young athletes to compete each and every week is commendable. We gratefully acknowledge and thank you all, as without you, we do not have a sport. Do not underestimate your value, and I urge you encourage others to compete, assist and be part of a whole of family community activity. Finally, the past year has been a period of growth, development and consolidation. The pace and expansion of activities will undergo a period of consolidation and sustainment over the next year and we look forward to progressing our relationships, enhancing our structures and further exploring efficiencies across the whole of sport.
Teresa Blackman Chairman
As I complete my second year, I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the support of the Board and Staff who continue to go above and beyond to make sure that we are continuing to raise the bar and better serve our members state wide. I would also like to thank all the Centres and Committees for the countless hours you give to the sport, which is very much appreciated. Without you, the sport would not be where it is in 2018 and going to. To Wayne Loxley, CEO AWA and his staff thank you for working in partnership with LAWA to ensure the ongoing development of the sport for all, to enjoy! On a personal note, I would like to thank Chairman Teresa Blackman for her continued guidance and confidence in me, and staff, to deliver on the needs of the sport, and to explore new opportunities. I am excited with potential direction of the sport and I look forward with the management team in working with you all on the ongoing delivery of the strategies contained in the LAWA Strategic Plan, the whole of Sport Strategic Plan and development of joint organisational opportunities with Athletics WA. Thank you to Martin Stillman, LAA CEO and his management team for their support of the sport in WA. Finally, I believe the sport with the right programs and people has a bright future with the opportunity to explore new initiatives.
Vince Del Prete
Chief Executive Officer
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LAWA CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY July 2017 - Looking forward to the future Following a design competition, where members were invited to submit ideas for LAWA’s new mascot, “Cheego” along with friends “Swifty” and “Kanga”, were introduced at the LAWA 2017 Annual Conference.
Winner: Amberlee Statham, Belmont LAC
Trackpack
The Trackpack: Swifty, Cheego and Kanga
During the season Cheego has been seen out and about engaging with members at Metropolitan and Country Centres, and LAWA events.
Runners-up: Lataya Lawrence, Baldivis LAC & Aniela Matkowski, Bayswater LAC
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Season Launch
The first Little Athletics WA meet was held on 24 February 1968 at Perry Lakes. In celebration of this milestone, the founder of Little Athletics in WA and LAWA Life Member,
Robin Johnson was in attendance at UWA Little Athletics Centre, alongside current LAWA CEO Vince Del Prete, to ring the bell to start the 50th anniversary season.
2017-18 State Events All medallists were presented with a limited edition 50th anniversary medal.
State Relays medallists from Ridgewood LAC
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LAWA CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY Past State Captains, Doug Hancy Award recipients and Athletes of the Year were invited to a series of lunches at LAWA State Events throughout the season to celebrate 50 years.
LAWA Patron, Dr. Tony Buti and 50th Anniversary Committee Chairman David Gardiner greeted past State Captains at State Relays on 2 December 2017
1979 State Captains Fred Martin & Debbie Grigg (Whinnen) attended the reunion at the Combined Events on 4 February 2018
50th Anniversary Function Centre representatives, Life Members, past athletes and volunteers attended a function to celebrate the 50th anniversary of LAWA at
the Mounts Bays Yacht Club on 24 February 2018 to celebrate this important milestone for the sport.
Launch of 50th Anniversary “Little Athlete� Book LAWA Honorary Historian, David Gardiner spent many hours collating 50 years of Little Athletics WA history. Excellent job. With support from Lotterywest and Worldwide Printing the book was launched at the 50th Anniversary Function. A digital copy is also available via the LAWA website.
Historical Display Thank you to Ros Currie who with the assistance of a grant from Lotterywest, curated an historical display for the celebratory function. Inaugural Roll of Achievers Presentation The presentation recognised past little Athletes who have continued on to achieve at a high level in their chosen field. More details are included in the awards section of this report.
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50th Shape Challenge
Bunbury LAC
Zone 3
Winter 2018 To celebrate the first 50 years of Little Athletics and now looking forward to the future, LAWA introduced four new awards being as follows: Cross Country: • Champion Centre at State Championships; and • Handicap Award – best performed Centre across the season, based on number of athletes.
Roadwalking: • Champion Centre at State Championships; and • Handicap Award – best performed Centre across the season, based on number of athletes.
Thank you to The LAWA 50th Anniversary Committee consisting of David Gardiner (Chairman & Honourary Historian), Anne Graham and Kaye Runge.
Lotterywest, who provided LAWA with a grant, which enabled the production of the Little Athlete Book and the historical display at the 50th Anniversary function.
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PARTICIPATION 8,123
Total participants for 2017/18
1,072 Under 9’s
Biggest Age Group
565
Under 9’s Most Boys
516
Under 10’s Most Girls
Registration by age group
Approximately equal numbers of girls and boys
Historic Participation
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CENTRE ENGAGEMENT Over the past 12 months LAWA has continued its mandate to visit and support its Member Centres around the state of Western Australia. Focus was given to those not visited in the previous year, and those with specific requests. In addition to this through targeted programs, new locations and communities have been identified for pilot Little Athletics Programs. LAWA has consolidated the work that was done in the 2016/17 year and built on those platforms, such as Zoom digital online conferencing, ensuring that all Centres have had the opportunity to engage with LAWA often without having to physically attend meetings or workshops. Several Centres have requested specific actions that the Association is addressing as a whole rather than Centre by Centre request. These actions have included:
1. Constitution Support Centres supplied with template constitution, support pack with how to guides, information on the rules and the changes required and how to register with associations online and lodge the completed constitution. Some Centres have had more individualised support than others; 2. Sponsorship support and documentation to approach potential funders LAWA is currently developing a sponsorship document outlining a LAWA profile containing information on numbers, demographics and key sponsorship and engagement areas; 3. Coach volunteer training and development LAWA is currently developing a volunteer and coach development program to support with sustained training and delivery for Little Athletics in WA; and 4. Communication and transparency with fees LAWA has developed a single page breakdown of fees for LAWA and Little Athletics nationally, which has been provided all Centres meetings.
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MEMBER SERVICES REPORT
Partnerships / Stakeholder Engagement The past 12 months have seen a change in the landscape of Partners that LAWA has engaged with. The focus has been to partner with organisations that mirror LAWA’s underlying principles, and delivery capacity within the community. Networks have been forged with stakeholders who are supportive of the vison of participation, health, inclusivity and cultural engagement. • Healthway; • Department of Local Government, Sport and Culture; • WA Sports Federation; • WA Disabled Sports Association; • Inclusion Solutions WA; • Sports Marketing Australia; • Perth Children’s Hospital; • Shunt Creative; • Communicare; • Edmund Rice; • WA Football Commission / Night fields; and • Gymnastics WA.
Commercial Partner LAWA secured several new partners to support the development of the organisation and Centres, its volunteers and programs delivery being as follows: • Healthway – Multiyear deal; • Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries; • Aboriginal Engagement program – Program specific; • Youth Leadership Program – Program specific; • Targeted Participation Program – Program specific; • Fortescue – Event specific (Launch of Regional Northwest Championship event); • Landmark – Focus for regional and country Centres; • Volunteering WA – Volunteer event specific; and • Sports Marketing Australia – City of Bunbury event specific.
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Programs LAWA has launched a number of initiatives to increase participation, accessibility and opportunities for both athletes and volunteers / parents within the sport of Little Athletics. With a focus on Centre engagement and support, Little Athletics WA has delivered the Top Plan workshop program to five Centres to pilot the platform the program. Centres are currently reviewing their “Health Check” reports to identify the needs of each specific committee with support from LAWA. Little Athletics WA has joined with the WA Football Commission to deliver the Night Fields program. This sees free sport sessions delivered in communities that have a focus on youth engagement and antisocial behaviour. LAWA is currently engaging in its second Night Fields program run in conjunction with Communicare. The City of Armadale Night Fields was a success with the Dale LAC supporting the program. In 2017, LAWA released the Child Protection, Working with Children and Safeguarding resource to Centres. This is a practical resource that clearly outlines the steps required for Centres to administer, handle and safeguarding and child protection matters. LAWA has delivered a successful Aboriginal Engagement program, specifically targeting young people from within Aboriginal communities. The program started with a Come and Try event at Ern Clark Reserve in September 2017 with over 100 young people attending. Supported by Southern Districts LAC, Nyoongar Sports and Wellbeing, the City of Canning, Des Hedland and Rishelle Hume, the day was a huge success. The program then culminated in a week-long engagement trip to Kununurra to assist the local community to deliver Little Athletics to the region. Over 100 young people attended a free community Come and Try day, and all local schools received free school clinics. Supported by the Shire Wyndham and East Kimberley, Garnduwa, Save the Children, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Culture and local community members, the trip was a success. LAWA is now assisting with a pilot program in the regions. The focus on Aboriginal engagement continued with NAIDOC week, where LAWA has showcased Aboriginal women from WA who have been involved in Little Athletics at
some point and have gone on to be positive role models within their community. In addition to this, LAWA now holds a Welcome to Country before each state event. LAWA is currently planning the delivery of the Young Leaders Academy, with secured funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Culture. Working in partnership with local governments, Communicare, the Office of Multicultural Interests and Edmund Rice, LAWA will deliver the project to identify and upskill young leaders from targeted CaLD communities. This will see them receive specialised training and workshops and provide opportunities to engage with their local Little Athletics programs. Training and workshops: LAWA has delivered the following workshops to committee members, volunteers, representative athletes and parents: • Centre and committee training workshops; • Introduction to Coaching Course; • Cybersafety; • Registrars training; • Working with Children; and • Top Plan. Communications and Marketing The positive brand image of LAWA has been continued from the re-branding work undertaken in 2016/17. The commercial review undertaken at LAWA has highlighted the need for specific marketing materials for targeted demographics. Key resources have been developed for the following areas: Member Engagement Strong positive messages with consistent image templates for website, social media, newsletter and electronic communications. Use of social media scheduling programs such as Hootsuite and Mail Chimp to ensure programmed marketing. Zoom online digital conferencing platform to allow all members, regardless of location to attend meetings; and Commercial Partners / Potential Sponsors Professional documentation developed outlining LAWA key principles, strategic pillars and areas of engagement and growth.
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New Centre Identification The Shire of Ashburton Little Athletics Centre successfully completed their inaugural season with athletes, coaches and volunteers reporting of a positive, fun and enjoyable year. LAWA has supported the Centre by visiting Ashburton and meeting with committee members and building relationships with the local government Club Development Officer. LAWA has been working to grow Little Athletics participation, and the opportunities available to those in areas where there is currently no program. Through community engagement and promotion, LAWA has identified and is supporting three new locations to launch a pilot “LAA On Track” Program. Jurien Bay Working with the local community, Local Government, Club Development Officer and PCYC, it was identified that the community had expressed an interest in Little Athletics. LAWA visited the community and hosted an information evening to outline the actions needed, and local community support to establish a program. Jurien Bay will launch a 10-week community Come and Try session using the “LAA On Track” Program. LAWA will provide Introduction to Coaching Courses and ongoing support for volunteers, school engagement and promotion for the community. Jurien Bay will affiliate with LAWA as a Centre, however participant membership will not be taken during the pilot program.
Exmouth Interest for Little Athletics in Exmouth has been identified by the local PCYC staff and community. Working with the local shire, Exmouth will deliver a 10-week community Come and Try program using the “LAA On Track” Program LAWA will provide Introduction to Coaching Courses and ongoing support for volunteers, school engagement and promotion for the community. Exmouth will affiliate with LAWA as a Centre, however participant membership will not be taken during the pilot program. Kununurra Initial interest for Little Athletics in Kununurra was identified by local community members and the local shire staff. LAWA spent a week in Kununurra and the community delivering school clinics, coaching and volunteer workshops and hosted a community Come and Try day which was attended by over 100 kids. With support of the regional sport office, the local shire and a number of community engagement organisations, Kununurra will deliver a 10-week community Come and Try using the “LAA On Track” Program.
Community engagement in Kununurra
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State Combined Events 2018
Ashburton LAC
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PROGRAMS Aboriginal Come and Try Day 2017 A free come and try day was delivered in September 2017 at the Ern Clark Athletics Facility with a focus on participation from aboriginal communities.
Despite the rain 65 young people and their families attended to try a variety of events delivered by Little Athletics Coaches. Attendees were provided fruit and a water bottle as part of Healthway’s commitment to LAWA.
Development Squad 2017 - 2018 The development squad is offered to athletes who finish in the top 8 at the previous seasons State Track and Field Championships. This season 85 athletes registered for the monthly sessions to work with some of WA’s leading coaches.
This season saw a partnership with the AWA Talent ID sessions allowing athletes to access theory sessions based around Nutrition, Time Management, Psychology and Injury Prevention.
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Little Athletics Program for Primary Schools LAWA delivers an education program that provides a high-quality experience to every participant. The children involved develop running, jumping and throwing skills by participating in highly active sessions with a Nationally Accredited Coach. The program highlights included: • 12,754 participating students; • 102 visits; • 3 interschool events; and • 59 participating schools.
Year 2 and 3 students from East Manjimup Primary School enjoying a LAPS session
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COMPETITION LAWA again this season continued its recognition of the Aboriginal culture by having the Welcome to Country performed at each event lead by Phil Walley-Stack.
Cross Country & Road Walks Winter Championships 2017 The 2017 Winter season saw the introduction of a new timetable and alternating scratch and handicap starts for both the walk and cross-country events. A total of 12 events took place leading to the two Championship events. It was great to see several Country athletes participating.
A big thank you to all the host centres. We had a real mixture of courses that challenged the runners and made for a great competition. LAWA would like to thank Gail and Frank Bertoli for Managing the Winter event delivery, Coral McCooey for coordinating the officials, and all the Winter Officers and Team Managers.
Road Walking 2017 Date
Host Centre
Location
Participants
13 May
Cockburn
Adventure World Carpark
80
27 May
LAWA
Ern Clark Track
72
10 June
Dale
John Wolston School
106
24 June
Joondalup
ECU Car Park
65
8 July
Inglewood
Inglewood Carpark
59
5 August
Belmont
Maida Vale Primary School
65
19 August
Gosnells
Maddington Centre Carpark
68
Cross Country 2017 Date
Host Centre
Location
Participants
6 May
Cockburn
Manning Park
636
20 May
Southern Districts
Piney Lakes
618
3 June
Belmont
Jorgenson Park
611
17 June
Dale
Forrestdale Primary School
586
1 July
Hamersley
Lake Gwelup
398
15 July
UWA
Perry Lakes
499
29 July
Joondalup
Yellagonga Regional Park
512
26 | 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT
Bravehearts Challenge 2017 The Bravehearts Challenge for 2017 was held on 5 November at the WA Athletics Stadium. This event is open to all registered athletes in the Under 6 to Under 10 age groups. The event is a fun, entry level style competition which is designed to help our younger athletes get ready for competition at the main athletics stadium. Athletes participated in four events which included a run, jump and a throw. Athletes were encouraged to wear purple in support of the events official charity, Bravehearts which promotes the message of child safety throughout Australia. In total, 405 athletes (189 Boys & 216 Girls) participated in this event representing 23 of the 36 Little Athletics WA centres. Little Athletics WA would like to thank our officials for their efforts during this event because without them none of our events would be possible. Also, a big thank you to the 40 Under 15 to Under 17 athletes who assisted us during this event, your assistance was greatly appreciated. Big congratulations to Baldivis LAC who won the Best Team Spirit award, which was a $500 equipment voucher to spend at Oz Athletics Kids.
2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT | 27
2017 State Track & Field Relay Championships Presented by Go for 2 & 5 The State Track & Field Relay Championships is the biggest event in the 2017/2018 calendar and took place on Saturday 2 December at the WA Athletics Stadium. This event attracted over 3000 athletes in the Under 8 to Under 17 age groups with athletes coming from 17 metro centres and 2 country centres (Bunbury & Eastern Goldfields). 2017 saw a change of event time, with the event operating times moving to a 10:00am start with a 7:00pm finish. This proved quite popular for many families with some enjoying a nice sleep in and our county centres enjoying a much less stressful morning getting to the stadium on time for their events. Many of our athletes enjoyed having a twilight finish to the event and it is intended to continue this new time for the coming season. LAWA also introduced the usage of Photo Finish and Meet Manager to Little Athletics WA State Competitions. Photo Finish is a more efficient and reliable system than those used previously and ensured results were getting
pushed out faster as the system worked well with our results management system, Meet Manager. Although a few technical issues were experienced in the morning, the competition ran quite smoothly thanks to the terrific support received from over 70 volunteer track and field officials throughout the event; without them events like this wouldn’t be possible. Also, a massive thank you must go to the Centre Team Managers who put in countless hours towards this event in organising teams and the many parent rosters. Congratulations to our winning centres in their respective categories, a terrific effort from everyone involved. LAWA look forward to making the State Track & Field Relays event even bigger in 2018.
2017 State Track and Field Relays by the numbers:
233
Girls Track Teams
251
Boys Track Teams
86
Boys Field Teams
660
Teams in Total
89
Girls Field Teams
28 | 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT
2017 State Track & Field Relay Centre Champions Girls Track Relay Champions 1. UWA 2. Kingsway 3. Hamersley
Boys Track Relay Championships 1. Kingsway 2. Hamersley 3. Melville
Combined Field Relay Champions 1. UWA 2. Ridgewood 3. Hamersley
State Track & Field Relay Championships Records Broken Age
Gender
Discipline
Name
Centre
Distance
Previous Record
U10
Boy
300g Turbo
Sam Szczepaniak
SD
24.52 m
Inaugural
U10
Girl
300g Turbo
Ella O’Shea
HAM
18.82 m
Inaugural
2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT | 29
2018 Country Championships Bunbury LAC had the pleasure of hosting the 2017-18 LAWA Country Championships. The change in date from late November to the Australia Day long weekend in January meant that for the first time in many seasons we had nominations from all 17 regional centres currently affiliated with LAWA. For this we must say a special thank you to the parents and athletes from the five Centres in the far north; Broome, Newman, Hedland, Karratha and Ashburton who travelled thousands of kilometres at considerable expense to compete - out of season. The change in date meant that many families could combine their summer holidays with the Championships and travel to Bunbury a few days early; this enabled BLAC/LAWA to host: • A clinic, which was conducted by Paralympic 800 and 1500m medallist Brad Scott of which over 40 children from a number of centres attended; and • An Officials seminar/workshop conducted by Fiona Brown prior to the competition. This was extremely valuable for those parents who, due to distance don’t get the chance to ask questions and gain insight into officiating at all levels of athletics.
The Championships saw 315 athletes compete in over 300 scheduled events over the 3 days of competition. Competition started Friday evening with the 400m heats and the finals of the walks. Saturday started early with competition ceasing at 10.00am for 30 minutes to allow all athletes the opportunity to take part in the traditional March past, with newest centre Ashburton LAC adjudged to be the winner. Despite the strong head wind down the home straight there were a good number of Championship Records broken and a multitude of personal bests set. Competition wrapped up midday on the Sunday with Bunbury & Districts LAC taking out the Overall Points Award and Ashburton LAC taking out the Handicap Award. A big thank you to all of the officials (particularly those who came down from Perth) and parent helpers over the weekend who made the event such a success. We are all looking forward to heading down to Albany in January 2019. Paul Lever BDLAC Chairman
30 | 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT
Records broken at the 2018 Country Championships Age
Gender
Discipline
Name
Centre
Result
Previous Record
U9
Female
High Jump
Zoe Williams
BUN
1.09m
1.06m
U10
Female
Turbo 300g
Chloe Zorzi
EG
20.10m
Inaugural
U10
Female
Discus
Chloe Zorzi
EG
25.61m
25.49m
U10
Female
70m
Taylor Smith
MR
11.24
Inaugural
U13
Female
1500m
Jessica Taylor
BUN
5.15.1
5.15.97
U14
Female
1500m
Maddy Luscombe BUN
5.03.90
5.14.35
U15
Female
300mH
Imogen Perejuan
GER
49.05
51.87
U17
Female
300mH
Kaitlyn Wilson
BUN
45.03
49.26
U17
Female
Shot
Lauren Quaife
BUN
11.45m
11.25m
U17
Female
High Jump
Lauren Quaife
BUN
1.47m
1.46m
U17
Female
400m
Kaitlyn Wilson
BUN
57.65
1.02.16
U9
Male
400m
Ziggy Fremantle
BUN
1.10.71
1.14.49
U10
Male
70m
Isaac Cobley
BUN
10.82
Inaugural
U13
Male
Discus
Tyzreise Clark
EG
34.72
34.66
U13
Male
400m
Gabriel Doolan
BUN
57.56
58.4
U14
Male
Shot
Brock Kenny
BUN
14.29
13.87
U15
Male
300mH
Noah McAneny
BUN
45.46
Inaugural
U16
Male
300mH
Cooper Anderton
BUN
41.59
Inaugural
U16
Male
400m
Cooper Anderton
BUN
52.14
53.56
2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT | 31
32 | 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT
2018 State Combined Event Championships Presented by Go for 2 & 5 The State Combined Event Championships is traditionally the smallest event on the calendar but would have to be one of the toughest events for our athletes competing in either 5 or 7 events throughout the event. This season the event took place on 3 and 4 February 2018 at the WA Athletics Stadium.
Our Under 11 to Under 13 athletes compete in 5 events on the Sunday of competition.
This event attracted 401 athletes in the Under 11 to Under 17 age groups with athletes coming from 16 metro centres, 5 country centres and 1 athlete from our Broome Centre in the North West. It was great to see of the 401 athletes entered that 20 were from our Country/North West Centres.
The competition was a great success overall and it was fantastic to see 9 new records being set over the weekend, which is no easy achievement. The State Combined Event Championships was also the qualifying event for the Under 15 athletes to qualify for the Under 15 Multi Event team to participate at the Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships on the Gold Coast in April. Congratulation to the 3 male and 3 female athletes that qualified for this competition.
For our Under 14 to 17 athletes this event involves 7 events over 2 days of competition with 4 events on Saturday and 3 events on Sunday, thus making it a very gruelling event for the majority of these athletes.
LAWA would also like to thank Athletics WA for organising the High-Performance Pole Vaulting squad to put on a demonstration performance during the lunch break on the Sunday.
State Combined Events Championships Records Broken Age
Gender
Discipline
Name
Centre
Result
Previous Record
U11
Female
Pentathlon
Samara Sallie
JND
2321
2089
U11
Male
Pentathlon
Lachlan Wright
KSY
1854
1495
U12
Female
Pentathlon
Olivia Truman
BEL
2763
2603
U12
Male
Pentathlon
Austin Chapman
KSY
2060
1887
U15
Female
Heptathlon
Tahlee McVee
KSY
4856
4369
U16
Female
Heptathlon
Royan Norman
RW
4523
4453
U16
Male
Heptathlon
Joshua Jones
GOS
4654
4489
U17
Female
Heptathlon
Lauren Quaife
BUN
4033
4031
U17
Male
Heptathlon
Luke Parker
SD
4234
4114
2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT | 33
2018 Zones Championships Due to the Commonwealth Games pushing many of the major athletics events forward, the 2018 Zones Championships were held on 17 and 18 February instead of the long weekend date in March as per previous seasons. This event is for all registered Under 7 to Under 15 athletes, with the under 7 and under 8 athletes competing at Zones as their final championship event which sees 408 Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded over the 4 Zones whilst the under 9 to under 15 athletes battle it out to qualify for a qualifying position to proceed to the State Track & Field Championships event held two weeks later. 2180 athletes competed in the Zone Championships for 2018 which is 27% of the total registrations for the 2017 - 2018 season. Centres compete in one of four allocated Zones from which athletes may qualify for State Championships as follows: • Zone 1 - Baldivis, Cockburn, Dale, Kwinana, Peel and Rockingham; • Zone 2 - Belmont, Gosnells, Melville and Southern Districts; • Zone 3 - Bayswater, Eastern Hills, Inglewood, Kingsway and Swan Valley; and • Zone 4 - Hamersley, Joondalup, Ridgewood and UWA. 2018 Zone Competitor Numbers are as follows: • Zone 1 - 542 athletes; • Zone 2 - 476 athletes; • Zone 3 - 550 athletes; and • Zone 4 - 612 athletes. A big thank you must go to the four Zone Coordinators who put in an extraordinary amount of time and effort into ensuring their Zone ran smoothly throughout the whole weekend, the support they receive from all their centres in their respective zones is also appreciated. Congratulations to all athletes that qualified through to the State Track & Field Championships.
State Records Broken at Zones Age
Gender
Discipline
Name
Centre
Result
Previous Record
U9
Male
High Jump
Ethan Powell
CBN
1.16m
1.15m
U10
Female
Turbo 300g
Olivia Williams
RW
23.95m
18.82
U10
Male
Turbo 300g
Brayden Phillips
RW
30.93
24.52
U15
Male
Shot
Etienne Rousseau
UWA
18.04
17.28
U15
Male
Discus
Etienne Rousseau
UWA
63.01
60.38
34 | 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT
2018 State Championships The final state event for the 2017 - 2018 was our State Track & Field Championships which was held on 2, 3 and 4 March 2018 at the WA Athletics Stadium. This event was held earlier than normal to help accommodate the various other athletics events that were happening during March and April, including the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. The State Track and Field Championships is open to all Under 9 to Under 17 athletes that qualify via either the Zones Championships or Country Athlete Personal Best nomination.
The State Track & Field Championships also acts as the key selection event for the Under 13 athletes who wish to be selected for the Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships. All Little Athletics WA officials play a vital role during any state event, but we want to give a special mention to our Competition Director Fiona Brown, who’s knowledge and expertise helps guide all our officials in the right direction when making decisions during all our events. Little Athletics WA is very grateful to have you a part of our team so thank you.
The total number of entries represented 15.5% of the total registrations for 2017 - 2018.
1,244 Athletes
3,500
Event Nominations
619+625 Girls+Boys
29
Centres Represented
234 Events
720
9
Age Groups
21
Medals Presented
State Records Broken
1,000
1,500
19 Metro, 8 Country and 2 North-West
70
Track & Field Volunteer Officials
500
Parent Helpers
Bottles Of Water Consumed
Bananas Consumed
2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT | 35
State Track & Field Championships Records Broken Age
Gender
Discipline
Name
Centre
Result
Previous Record
U9
Male
400m
Ziggy Freemantle
BUN
01:07.7
01:07.9
U9
Male
High Jump
Nguyen Khang (Bond) Tran BAY
1.16
1.15
U10
Female
Turbo 300g
Ruby Henshall
BEL
24.6
23.95
U10
Male
70m
Jayke Cooper
PD
9.79
10.04
U10
Male
Turbo 300g
Liam Simpson
PD
31.17
30.93
U11
Male
60mH
Lachlan Wright
KSY
9.43
9.44
U12
Male
800m
Caden Barnett
ING
02:14.0
02:14.7
U13
Female
1500mW
Alexandra Griffin
SD
06:56.9
07:03.3
U15
Male
200m
Antoine Vargiolu
SD
22:56
22:91
U15
Male
1500m
Cameron Quirk
RW
04:08.4
04:10.0
U15
Male
Shot Put
Etienne Rousseau
UWA
18.17
17.28
U16
Female
200m
Sophie White
ROC
24.17
25.38
U16
Female
90mH
Sophie White
ROC
12.91
13.32
U16
Male
200m
Stefan Rajakovic
KSY
21.8
22.32
U16
Male
300mH
Seth Norman
BEL
39.2
39.56
U17
Female
400m
Kaitlyn Wilson
BUN
55.77
56.77
U17
Female
300mH
Kaitlyn Wilson
BUN
43.38
47.69
U17
Female
100mH
Isabella Reeves
MEL
13.77
15.24
U17
Female
800m
Melany Smart
HAM
02:10.1
02:16.9
U17
Female
1500m
Melany Smart
HAM
04:25.1
04:45.2
U17
Female
Triple Jump
Caitlin Blackman
MEL
12.09
11.87
36 | 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT
2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT | 37
2018 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships - Team WA Report Of course, a visit to the Gold Coast would not be complete without a mandatory theme park visit! Movie World would not have been the same without us and a great way to experience a bit more adrenaline as well as further celebrated our success post competition.
The 2018 Gold Coast WA Australian Little Athletics Championship (ALAC) team will be best remembered for the incredible team spirit that came alive on the final day of competition and dare I say it became the talk and envy of all other competing states!
A big thank you to all that made ALAC 2018 a huge success. The Team Management consisting of Phill Langley, Matthew Dean, Rebecca Del Pup and Rebecca Miller who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, it couldn’t have been done without you.
On the back of some impressive performances throughout the weekend, culminating in two out of the three possible relay wins the entire WA team could not resist the urge to celebrate in the centre of the field of play at the conclusion of the U/15 relay team win on the final day. This captured the attention of the quality live streaming feed as well as all in attendance with one of the most passionate team chants experienced throughout ALAC 2018! Most notably over the weekend the WA team came away with the ‘Life Members’ trophy for the Multi Event Teams Championship with our U/15 female athletes dominating the weekend and the male athletes feeling the pressure to perform at their best to secure the win. Our under 13 athletes were equally impressive throughout the weekend with a total of 8 Gold, 4 Silver and 2 Bronze as well as many PB’s and gutsy performances. ALAC 2018 was not just all business on the track and in the field and there was plenty of fun and memorable times had amongst the action-packed days away. Most athletes (and management) tried their hand at paddle boarding at Runaway Bay prior to the track familiarisation session and then the competition.
Thank you to the 2018 ALAC coaches who assisted the athletes during our training sessions. It is also important to recognise the many great parents, those able to travel across and were full of life in the stands and those supporting back home; and of course, finally the athletes that gave it their all and represented their state, their centres and their clubs so very well. We look forward the next instalment of ALAC in Tasmania in 2019 and the new team of athletes that will come together to continue the outstanding WA ALAC team spirit and success!
38 | 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT
2018 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships - Team WA Results
Under 13 Girls
Under 13 Boys
Shot Put
Shot Put
Kavya Ranaweera - 10.44m (9th)
Alex Perin - 13.23m (3rd)
Isla Smith - 9.61m (11th)
Tyzriese Clark - 11.35m (10th)
1500m Walk
1500m Walk
Alexandra Griffin - 6:52.96 (2nd)
Kyle Hussey - 7:46.19 (6th)
Brooke Mortimore - 7:31.24 (5th)
Alistair Carlson – DQ
Long Jump
Long Jump
Kirsty Wong - 4.38m (11th)
Ify Okiwelu - 5.92m (1st)
Charlotte Woodward- 4.28m (13th)
Aedam Quinn - 5.57m (5th)
200m Hurdles
200m Hurdles
Jorja Elisseou - 30.19 (7th - Final)
Darcy Staples - 27.96 (3rd - Final)
Kirsty Wong - 31.26 (3rd - Consolation Final)
Jack Clutterbuck - 30.77 (3rd - Consolation Final)
Javelin
Javelin
Tiana Pavlovich - 36.34m (2nd)
Riley Burton - 32.37m (7th)
Kavya Ranaweera - 29.81m (7th)
Kyle Hussey - 29.23m (10th)
800m
800m
Laura Stump - 2:21.36 (4th)
Cody Stanfield - 2:13.78 (8th)
Sienna Hanikeri - 2:24.82 (7th)
Darcy Staples - 2:25.07 (12th)
200m
200m
Amber Davies - 26.67 (7th - Final)
Ify Okiwelu - 24.13 (1st)
Charlotte Woodward - 27.75 (3rd - Consolation Final)
Gabriel Doolan - 25.45 (4th)
High Jump
High Jump
Charlotte Woodward - 1.50m (7th)
Alex Perin - 1.80m (1st)
Annaleigh Lewis - 1.45m (8th)
Riley Burton - 1.45m (11th)
2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT | 39
1500m
1500m
Sienna Hanikeri - 4:49.79 (4th)
Cody Stanfield - 4:41.68 (8th)
Alexandra Griffin - 5:06.96 (8th)
Jamie Hawes - 4:49.96 (10th)
80m Hurdles
80m Hurdles
Jorja Elisseou - 12.95 (4th)
Aedam Quinn - 12.14 (4th)
Amber Davies - DQ
Jack Clutterbuck - 14.05 (3rd Consolation)
Discus
Discus
Isla Smith - 35.51m (10th)
Alex Perin - 37.25m (5th)
Kavya Ranaweera - 31.05m (11th)
Jonathan Davies - 25.87m (12th)
100m
100m
Amber Davies - 13.21 (8th)
Ify Okiwelu - 11.75 (1st)
Jorja Elisseou - 13.55 (2nd - Consolation Final)
Gabriel Doolan - 12.32 (6th)
Triple Jump
Triple Jump
Charlotte Woodward - 10.42m (10th)
Tyzriese Clark - 12.56m (1st)
Kirsty Wong - 10.08m (11th)
Ify Okiwelu - 10.84m (8th)
400m
400m
Laura Stump - 1:00.0 (2nd)
Jonathan Davies - 57.76 (1st - Consolation Final)
Tui Naussedat - 1:03.57 (8th)
4 x 100m Relay
4 x 100m Relay
52.05 (5th)
47.06 (1st)
Charlotte Woodward - 27.75 (3rd - Consolation Final)
Gabriel Doolan - 25.45 (4th)
Under 15 Girls Heptathlon
Under 15 Boys Heptathlon
Tahlee McVee - 4937 Points (1st)
Joshua Smith - 4406 (8th)
Anneka West - 4814 Points (2nd)
Antoine Vargiolu - 4215 (10th)
Ella Dodds - 3913 Points (12th)
Callum Walmsley - 3931 (16th)
4 x 100m Mixed Relay
46.38 (1st)
40 | 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT
Life Members Teams Trophy
Trevor Billingham Trophy
WA 362
NSW 752
NSW 341.50
VIC 720.50
VIC 335.50
QLD 714
QLD 316.50
WA 588
(Under 15’s)
(Under 13’s)
State Records Broken at the 2018 Coles Australian Little Athletics Championships Age
Gender
Discipline
Name
Centre
Result
Previous Record
U13
Female
1500mW
Alexandra Griffin
SD
6:52.96
06:56.9
U15
Female
Heptathlon
Tahlee McVee
KSY
4937
4856
2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT | 41
COMMONWEALTH GAMES & QUEENS BATON RELAY In the lead up to the Commonwealth Games held on the Gold Coast in April 2018, a number of Little Athletics WA members and supporters took part in the Queens Baton Relay. These included: Eleanor Barnett
Albany LAC
Amy Brades
UWA LAC
Gemma Brown
Lower South West athlete
Brandon Ford
Hamersley LAC
Lyn Foreman
Coach
Jacob Hristianopolous Hamersley LAC Rishelle Hume
LAWA Roll of Achievers
Joh Perry
Chair Lower South West LAC & past Little Athlete
Oliver Pluckhahn
Denmark LAC
Melany Smart
Hamersley LAC / AWA
Christine Stanton
LAWA Roll of Achievers
Sean Szalek
UWALAC / AWA
Stuart Wilson
Hedland Little Athlete
Oliver Pluckhahn running in the Queens Baton Relay in Denmark
Jacob Hristianopolous represented Hamersley LAC
42 | 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT
Commonwealth Games Officials
Congratulations to all the Little Athletics WA and AWA Officials who were selected to officiate at the Commonwealth Games including Fiona Brown, Marie Fitzsimons, Bernadette Hennighan, Marion Buchanon, Kylee McVee, Matthew Vine, Jennifer Wheatley and Toni Petts. Coral McCooey, June Streeter and Dean Smith were also volunteers at the Commonwealth Games.
2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT | 43
ATHLETE AWARDS Athlete of the Year Following exceptional seasons of Little Athletics, our Athletes of the Year were
announced at the State Track & Field Championships on 3 March 2018.
Nominees Boys
Girls
Belmont
James Cork
Kingsway
Tahlee McVee
Kingsway
Saverio Marafioti
Eastern Hills
Catherine Porter
UWA
Etienne Rousseau
Eastern Goldfields
Elena Scafidi
Ridgewood
Joshua Smith
Bayswater
Anneka West
Gosnells
Jake Teague
South Districts
Antoine Vargiolu
Winners
Antoine Vargiolu - accepting his award after an excellent season at Southern Districts LAC.
Tahlee McVee - pictured after winning Gold in the National U/16 Heptathlon on the same weekend. Also pictured is nominee Anneka West from Bayswater LAC who won silver.
44 | 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT
Doug Hancy Award The Doug Hancy Award is presented to an athlete who is not necessarily a champion but one who embodies the qualities of Fraternity, Integrity, Perseverance, Challenge and Courage. Nominees and winners for 2017/18 were presented at the State Track & Field Championships on 4 March 2018.
Nominees Girls
Boys
Angela Placzek
Bayswater
Baramee Quartermaine
Bayswater
Jaymee Taylor
Belmont
Winston Raimundo
Belmont
Maddison Sandell
Cockburn
Harrison Sallur
Cockburn
Bethany Nightingale-Smith
Dale
Patrick Murphy
Gosnells
Tiahna Ruane
Gosnells
Jacob Matteo
Hamersley
Kate Axworthy
Hamersley
Joshua Smith
Ridgewood
Annie Stapleton
Hamersley
Zac Ellis
Rockingham
Courtney Mangan
Inglewood
Esteban Cerda
Kingsway
Hayley Smith
Ridgewood
Nieve Walsh
UWA
Zaryn Miller
Kingsway
2017-18 Doug Hancy Award Nominees
Winners • •
Harrison Sallur Annie Stapleton & Hayley Smith
2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT | 45
Members of the Hancy Family presented the awards to Annie Stapleton, Harrison Sallur and Hayley Smith.
Athlete Participation Awards
8
11 31
127
Athletes recognised at having participated for eight years.
Athletes completed 11 years of Little Athletics
Name
Centre
Name
Centre
Baramee Quartermaine
Bayswater
Jacob Schelfhout
Eastern Hills
James Bull
Bayswater
Sarah Hillyer
Eastern Hills
Ky Hounsham
Bayswater
Chloe Bodini
Gosnells
Sheldyn Cooper
Bayswater
Eilish Lane
Gosnells
Alyssa Rowe
Belmont
Rachel Parnaby
Gosnells
Andrew Hilditch
Belmont
Carlu Martens
Gosnells / Bunbury
Justin Russell
Belmont
Alex Halley-Wright
Hamersley
Sinead Wallace-Gibb
Belmont
Francesca Martino
Inglewood
Thomas Hilditch
Belmont
Martina Bossert
Joondalup
Amelia Palumbo
Cockburn
Caitlin Blackman
Melville
Jaimee Coles
Cockburn
Isabella Reeves
Melville
Darren Heuvink
Dale
Raynor Keane
Melville
Aliesha Dickhart
Eastern Goldfields
Ben Beissel
Ridgewood
Chelsea Dickhart
Eastern Goldfields
Chloe Parker
Ridgewood
Rebecca Hanekom
Eastern Goldfields
Hayley Masterson
Rockingham
Clare Shaddick
Eastern Hills
Jacob Schelfhout
Eastern Hills
Athletes completing 11 years of Little Athletics presented with a medallion at State Championships
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VOLUNTEERS Volunteer Awards Each year at the end of the Summer season, Centre volunteers are recognised for their contribution to our sport. Our Centres and Clubs take a lot of assistance to run and couldn’t operate without the many fantastic volunteers: Everyone from canteen assistants and uniform managers to officials and coaches, as well as our hard-working Centre Executive members.
3
6
153
127
Centre and Club volunteers were recognised with a 3-year volunteer certificate.
Centre and Club volunteers were recognised with a 6-year volunteer certificate.
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Ten Year Volunteer Award
39
10
Volunteers have been involved for 10 or more years
Name
Centre
Name
Centre
Nicole Cordingley
Bayswater
Leighton Little
Gosnells
Henrietta De Sa
Bayswater
Mandy Little
Gosnells
Dale Hambrook
Bayswater
Jon Parnaby
Gosnells
Jim Farr
Belmont
Nicole Parnaby
Gosnells
Trish Farr
Belmont
Duncan Ruane
Gosnells
Valerie Goodreid
Belmont
Kristy Burton
Hamersley
Elizabeth Hilditch
Belmont
Jenny Bennett
Kingsway
Sara Lindquist
Belmont
Paul Bennett
Kingsway
Janet Milne
Belmont
Mark Blackman
Melville
Di Wallace-Gibb
Belmont
Teresa Blackman
Melville
Don Wallace-Gibb
Belmont
Kylie Di Pietro
Peel
Angela Bond
Cockburn
Peta Kitching
Ridgewood
Sharon Neri
Cockburn
Dean Smith
Ridgewood
Jay Lewis
Dale
Rebecca Beaney
Rockingham
Caroline Cahill
Eastern Hills
Lea Cramer
Rockingham
Lynda Martin
Eastern Hills
Judith Ellis
Rockingham
Kim Bodini
Gosnells
Greg Ingram
Rockingham
Nancy Cullen
Gosnells
Kyra Ingram
Rockingham
Gabrielle D'Agnone-Doyle
Gosnells
Darren Klemke
Swan Valley
Ricki De Luis
Gosnells
Volunteers with more than 10 years of service were presented with an award at State Championships on 3 March, 2018.
Parents and others who have volunteered their time for 10 or more years were awarded at State Championships.
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Twenty Year Volunteer Award One amazing volunteer, Greg Clark from Melville LAC was presented with a 20-year volunteer award.
Merit Awards
Nominees for our top-level volunteer awards will be recognised with the following awards at our State Conference on 18 August 2018: Honour Certificate Nominees who have demonstrated the desire to foster the aims of Little Athletics within the Centre and have a level of commitment well more than that expected of a Centre parent. Award of Merit Nominees have clearly demonstrated a commitment to further the growth and development of the Centre/Association and have displayed a high standard of character and an unselfish willingness to work for the betterment of Little Athletics.
LAWA recognised the many volunteers from all over WA, who do a fantastic job running Little Athletics throughout the year. The theme was “Give a Little, change a Lot�, which represents the huge number of volunteers who make a profound impact in their communities and on society, through giving a little time.
Distinguished Merit Award Nominees have given long term meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty. Only persons who have displayed a high standard of character, credentials and integrity will be considered. Life Membership To be awarded Life Membership of Little Athletics WA, an individual should have demonstrated significant sustained and highquality service, enhancing the reputation and future of Little Athletics in WA.
LAWA were once again very pleased to receive a grant from Volunteering WA, which assisted in recognising our State Event Key officials who give up their free time to officiate at our event throughout the season. Officials were invited to an afternoon at the Subiaco Football Club where they were treated to afternoon tea, watch a WAFL game and presented with a thank you certificate.
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INAUGURAL ROLL OF ACHIEVERS The Little Athletics WA Roll of Achievers recognises former Little Athletes who have gone on to achieve at the highest level in their chosen sport or profession. Inductees have made contributions that have influenced the sport and acknowledge how the sport has contributed to their success and made them who they are today.
LAWA has introduced this award in celebration of our 50th Anniversary. An initial intake of twenty past Little Athletes were inducted into the Roll of Achievers at the 50th Anniversary Function at the Mounts Bay Sailing Club on 24 February 2018.
The inaugural inductees, outlining just some of their achievements, are: No.
Name
Commenced Achievements Little Athletics
1
Prof. John Phillimore
1969/70
Rhodes Scholar, Doctor of Philosophy, Executive Director of the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy.
2
Christine Stanton
1969/70
High Jump - 3 Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games Gold medallist, WA Hall of Champions, WAIS Hall of Fame, LAA Roll of Excellence.
3
Gayelene Clews
1970/71
3 x World Cross Country Championships, World Professional Triathlete. Doctor of psychology, Sports Psychologist, author and keynote speaker.
4
Jackie Pereira
1970/71
Hockey Australia Hall of Fame, 2 Olympic gold medals; numerous medals at international level. Medal of the Order of Australia.
5
Dr Tony Buti
1971/72
Batchelor of Phys. Ed. (Hons.) Batchelor of Laws (Hons.), Doctor of Philosophy. Member for Armadale in the Legislative Assembly of the Western Australian Parliament since 2010. Patron of Little Athletics WA.
6
Dean Clairs
1972/73
35 years working in the Radio industry, has hosted television specials, professional Master of Ceremonies since 1985, hosted many large events including Perth’s Skyworks Show.
7
Brad Hardie
1973/74
150 VFL/AFL League Games for Footscray, Brisbane & Collingwood, 1985 Brownlow Medallist. Worked in the media since 1994.
8
John Worsfold
1975/76
209 AFL games, 8 years Captain, 12 years coach for West Coast Eagles. WCE Life Member & WAFC Hall of Fame. 2 years coach Essendon FC.
9
Fred Martin
1976/77
Olympic & Commonwealth Games sprinter. Ran in 1984 Olympic Games at the age of 17. Still holds numerous LAWA records.
10
Kelly Perry (Sumich)
1980/81
Bachelor of Applied Science (Sports Science). Author of 2 books on coaching and exercise for children and 4 vocational training manuals.
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Sarah Forbes
1981/82
Played 60 games for the Australian Lacrosse team, 4 x World Cup medals. Captained Australia at 2 World Cups. Finalist in WA Sports Star of the Year.
12
Rishelle Hume
1981/82
Bachelor of Commerce. Devoted her working life to the advancement of Aboriginal people and her Noongar culture. West Australian of the Year – Aboriginal award in 2016. LAA Roll of Excellence.
13
Jade Lewis
1984/85
Over 17 years’ experience in supporting and helping people to navigate through drug and alcohol issues. Founder and CEO of Jade Lewis & Friends. Inducted into WA Women’s Hall of Fame. Pride of Australia Medal.
14
Kylie Wheeler
1987/88
6 x Australian Heptathlon National Champion,3 x Commonwealth Games Medals, competed at 2 x Olympic Games (2004 / 2008). A member of the Athletes Commission General Committee at Athletics Australia.
15
Simon Black
1988/89
322 AFL League games Brisbane Lions, 3 x AFL All Australian, AFL Life Member, AFL Brownlow Medal, Norm Smith Medal for best player in AFL Grand Final. WA Sports Star of the Year, WA Football Hall of Fame, LAA Roll of Excellence
16
Des Headland
1988/89
166 AFL League games Brisbane and Fremantle, AFL Premiership player. 3 Indigenous All-Star teams. Candidate for Australian Federal Parliament. Board member at Noongar Sports Association in WA.
17
Brett Rosebury
1989/90
Umpired 380+ AFL league games, incl. 7 AFL league Grand Finals. 3 x AFL All Australian umpire. AFL & WAFL Umpire Associations Life Member. AFL Life Member. LAA Roll of Excellence
18
John Steffensen 1989/90
3rd fastest Australian all time in 400m. 3 Olympic Games, 1 Olympic Games Silver Medal, 2 Commonwealth Games Gold Medals. Athletics Australia Director. Co-host Wide World of Sports program. Involved in the creation and development of Nitro Athletics. LAA Roll of Excellence.
19
Kim Mickle
1991/92
2 x Olympic Games,1 World Championships Silver Medal, 2 1 Gold & 1 Silver C’wealth Games Medal. WA Sports Star of the Year. 2 x WAIS Sports Star of the Year. 2 x Australian Female Athlete of the Year, LAA Roll of Excellence.
20
Heritier Lumumba
1994/95
223 x AFL league games with Collingwood & Melbourne FC, AFL Premiership player, AFL All-Australian Team. First AFL Multicultural Ambassador. Active in a number of causes and community initiatives with a strong passion for capacity development, justice, equality and holistic health.
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I think it was the medal ceremony for the 400 metres U/12 State Championship in early 1972. The other two guys are Alan Wall (2nd) and Peter Hamilton (3rd) – I still remember them! John Phillimore.
Athletics taught me how to compete, win and lose and helped me with fitness, strength and agility. I believe doing athletics at an early age gave me a good fitness base that has kept me fit, healthy and in good stead. Jackie Pereira.
In general, just the want to compete, combined with a fierce desire to succeed assisted me no end and I would highly recommend it to all aspiring athletes in any sport. Further to that, the discipline coaching etc. gave me positive thoughts on how to work hard and conduct my life. Brad Hardie.
Little Athletics always has played a positive impact on my life giving me many skills at a young age I use in my AFL career and every day business life. Little Athletics was always a fun environment and something I looked forward to each week. Brett Rosebury
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Inaugural Roll of Achievers presentation on 24 February 2018
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LAA ROLL OF EXCELLENCE LAWA were extremely proud to have two inductees into the Little Athletics Australia Roll of Excellence. The Roll of Excellence was formed to recognise former participants and volunteers who have achieved at the highest level in their chosen sport or profession under the following categories: Track & Field, Sportsperson, Achievers and Volunteers. Kim Mickle was inducted into the Track & Field Category for her outstanding javelin career. Kim started her Little Athletics career at Hamersley Little Athletics in 1991 and continued with Little Athletics at Peel Districts LAC and Melville LAC the following years until 2000, during which she set numerous records in javelin and discus and was also a member of the U13 ALAC team in 1999. Achieving international success in 2014 Kim achieved the Commonwealth Games record in Javelin with a throw of 65.96m. In that same year Kim also achieved the Oceania record
for Javelin with a throw of 66.83m, held the Australian record for Javelin with a throw of 66.83 and in 2016 qualified for the Australia team for the Rio Olympic Games. Rishelle Hume started Little Athletics in Western Australia in the early 1980s at the Gosnells & Districts Little Athletics Centre and then by the mid-80s was competing at the Southern Districts Little Athletics Centre. During her time as a Little Athlete, Rishelle won numerous State Championship Gold Medals. A proud Noongar Woman, Rishelle is a direct descendent and granddaughter of the highly respected Noongar elders, Patrick and Lorna Hume who spent their lives tirelessly promoting Aboriginal Rights and their Noongar culture. Like her grandparents Rishelle has devoted her life to the advancement of her Aboriginal people and her Noongar culture.
Rishelle Hume and Kim Mickle at the LAA Roll of Excellence Presentation in November 2017
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PERTH CHILDRENS HOSPITAL FOUNDATION For more than twenty years, Little Athletics WA Centres have held a fundraising day to support Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation. Activities range from novelty races, dress up days, gold coin donations and sausage sizzles. All money raised goes go towards the PCHF Artist in Residence Program which provides activities for Children in Hospital and who are unable to participate in sport.
Total amount raised in 2017/18 was $8800.31. Kingsway LAC raised the most for PCH Day. Centres who also raised $1,000 or more were: • Belmont; • Bayswater; and • Rockingham. A big thank you to our Centres and all the members who contributed to our fundraising for Perth Children's Hospital Foundation.
LAWA Chairman Teresa Blackman presented the cheque to PCHF Head of Fundraising Ian De Nazareth at the LAWA State Championships in March.
Kingsway representative Zaryn Miller with Stitches from PCHF and Cheego.
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STRATEGY
LAWA's Success Drivers
Create a value proposition that maximizes financial returns through strong commercial partnerships.
Develop and maintain strong operational viability where we have diverse and reliable sources of income.
Establish effective financial policies and procedures that guide and support internal and external stakeholders.
Maintain effective budgetary control of expenditure across Little Athletics WA.
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OUR PARTNERS