About Us
Athletics Ballarat caters to families and individuals by promoting participation and the enjoyment of athletics. The centre actively supports and encourages athletes at all levels and ages to achieve their individual goals.
Mission
Vision
Core Values
To provide an environment for athletics to grow within Ballarat and surrounding communities
To become the leading region for athletics in Australia
Inclusion– Athletics opportunities for all people from all abilities
Respect – Treat all athletes how you would like to be treated
Growth – Strive for continued development and growth of athletics
Our History
From Olympians to local legends, Athletics has a proud history in Ballarat. Detailed history of Athletics in Ballarat coming soon.
First Annual Meeting of Ballarat Local VAAA Centre
The first Annual Meeting of the Ballarat Local Centre of the VAAA was held on 21st March 1896 or within three days of this date. Major John Garbutt, Principal of Ballarat College, was elected the first President, with 50 members in attendance. It gave a fillip (livened up) to local athletes and was conducted in harmony with the V.A.A.A. Regret was felt in the resignation of Mr. V. Duthie as secretary. Mr H. Siminton was elected, he being also secretary of Ballarat. Major Garbutt was re-elected as President and Messrs A. Bain, J. Duthie and T. Moran as Vice Presidents. Messrs F. Hogarth and R. Thompson were elected as handicappers.
BRAC Formed
The Ballarat Regional Athletic Centre (BRAC), as we knew it, was formed in August 1895.
BRAC Renamed 'Athletics Ballarat'
Following on from the restructure of the organisation 12 months prior a brand refresh included new name and brand identity.
Our Board
Athletics Ballarat is governed by a skills based board of up to 9 board members – 7 Elected and 2 appointed by the Board. Board members are elected for a term of 2 or 3 years, and are elected based upon the skills and experience the governing Athletics. The Board has 3 primary functions:
- Ensure good governance of the organisation.
- Provide strategic direction to the organisation and its members.
- Represent the interest of all members and stakeholders.
Matt Jenkins
Board Chair
AVSL Committee
Elected Term 2023-2025
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Bree Sharp
Deputy Chair
Finance & Risk Committee
Elected Term 2023-2025
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John Ives
Finance & Risk Committee
Elected Term 2023-2025
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Steve McLennan
Facilities Committee
AVSL & XCR Committees
Elected Term 2023-2025
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Rod Griffin
AVSL & XCR Committees
Elected Term 2023-2025
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Mark Simmonds
Member Engagement
Board Appointed Director for 2024/25
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Ruth Bartlett
Member Engagement
Finance & Risk Committee
Board Appointed Director for 2024/25
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Vacant
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Position to be filled at next AGM or via by-election if required.
Vacant
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Position to be filled at next AGM or via by-election if required.
Sub Committees
The board of Athletics Ballarat is supported by a number of sub-committees that assist with the operations of Athletics Ballarat.
Finance & Risk Committee
- Bree Sharp (Chair)
- John Ives
- Ruth Bartlett
- Shane Bicknell
AVSL Committee
- Matt Jenkins (Chair)
- Rod Griffin
- Steve McClennan
- Helen Reinarts
- Marita Reinarts
- Conrad Oberholzer
- Michelle Hawkes
- Neville Down
- Ash Rogers
Cross Country (XCR) Committee
- Rod Griffin (Chair)
- Steve McClennan
- Helen Reinarts
- Marita Reinarts
- Conrad Oberholzer
- Michelle Hawkes
- Neville Down
- Ash Rogers
- Paul Hayes
Assets & Facilities Committee
- Steve McClennan (Chair)
- Mick Jones
- Sean O’Meara