Monthly Newsletter – June 2026
Community connect
The Ballarat athletics community is built on support, teamwork, and a shared love of the sport. Whether you’re competing, coaching, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of something bigger — a network of people who show up, help out, and celebrate each other’s efforts.
As we move into June, the energy and spirit of the XCR season is already building strongly. With Rounds 1 and 2 now complete, it’s been fantastic to see Athletics Ballarat athletes proudly representing our region and embracing everything that cross country brings. Teamwork, resilience, challenge, and community. From fast road racing at Albert Park to the challenging relay course at Jells Park, the season has already delivered some great performances and memorable moments.
Round 3 on the weekend was held at the popular St Anne’s Winery course in Bendigo, where athletes took on the scenic and challenging 8km cross country event. The XCR season continues to provide opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities to connect, compete, and be part of something bigger than themselves. We look forward to seeing our Ballarat community continue to support one another throughout the winter season ahead.
This newsletter’s purpose is to share highlights, recognise efforts, and keep everyone connected across our local athletics family. If you or your club would like to share achievements or updates, please email these to [email protected]
For all things XCR this 25-26 season, please visit our Cross Country Season Page.
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Volunteer highlight
Paul Cleary
I’m Paul Cleary, I represented Australia as an athlete, went to the AIS at 18 years of age. Dislocated my left knee when I was 20 years of age. Started coaching, and had my first Australian representative at 24 years of age.
I have coached 37 national gold medallists, and stopped counting at just over 100 national medallists. I’m a big supporter of the Wendouree athletic club, that’s where I start, and probably 90% of the athletes I have coached in Ballarat are Wendouree kids, mostly from Ballarat.
What do you love about athletics?
I love athletics for the one on one, if you do well you thank yourself and your coach.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I represented Victoria in football and basketball as a junior, and represented Australia in all 3 jumps as a junior in senior competition.
If you could give one tip to athletes (or parents), what would it be?
My main advice for young athletes and their parents would be, just be patient, it takes time, especially in technical events.
What’s been your most memorable moment as a volunteer?
I can’t pin point one, there have been so many great performances by the kids I have coached over 45+ years of coaching.
Echos of Llanberris Reserve
Originally established as a sand-based track before later upgrades to rubberised surfaces and the current Rekortan track, Llanberris has hosted athletics in Ballarat for decades and has welcomed everyone from grassroots juniors to Olympians and elite athletes. Notable performances at the venue include Australian athletics greats such as Steve Moneghetti and Kathryn Mitchell, while generations of local athletes have proudly represented Ballarat on the same grounds.
As Athletics Ballarat prepares for an exciting new chapter with the future Ballarat Regional Athletics Centre, these images serve as a reminder of the incredible history, passion, and people that built athletics in our region. Llanberris Reserve will always remain a special part of Ballarat’s sporting story.
A big thank you to Nev Down for providing these photos. If you have any historic photos or stories you would like to share in this newsletter please email them to [email protected].
Getting to know our athletes
How did you first get into athletics, and what keeps you coming back to the sport?
What’s your favourite event – and why does it stand out to you?
Super heavy weight Pentathlons and I’m loving it.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?
Coffee for breakfast and Cadburys chocolate in the car on the way to comp. I must have my favourite Globe throwing socks, box of chalk, Powerade and lipbalm.
What’s been your most memorable moment in athletics so far?
Winning the Joyce Lockyer award last year at Country championships in Bendigo was a real honour. Winning the Gold in the Throws Pentathlon 3 years in a row at Masters Nationals Championships was a great achievement for me and finally getting a new Pb in Discus 33.66m at States last year really topped it off.
Who inspires you the most – either in athletics or in life?
My Daughter Ashlee Inspires me every day. She was born with great
determination. Ash drives me to continue being my best self and she’s great competition for me now we are throwing the same weighted implements. Finally surpassing me in Javelin and Shot put last season. Throws Coach Lindsay Burgoyne also inspires me. His dedication to Ballarat’s Throwing athletes in commendable. I take my hat off to Lindsay and hope to follow in his footsteps one day when I retire from throwing.
What do you love most about being part of the Ballarat athletics community?
Athletics is a great opportunity to connect with other athletes, make new friends and have fun. I love meeting new people, reconnecting with past athletes and have been known to talk the legs off a wooden chair so athletics is a big part of my social life.
What’s your go-to meal or treat after a big meet or training session?
A can of Vanilla coke and toasted salad sandwiches. Followed by a nap to recharge the batteries.
Athletics makes me feel...
Like I’m enjoying life. Llanberris is my happy place. I love spending time
training and competing with other like minded throwers. We are all chasing that next big Pb.
What does a typical training week look like for you?
Normal training is 2-3 throw sessions during the week at Llanberris and 2-3 light gym sessions. Off season I hit the gym pretty hard, at least 3 -5 days a week.
Concentrating on building muscle and core strength to keep my back strong. I limit the throw sessions to drills only.
Upcoming Dates
JUNE
XCR Round 4 (XC:12)
Saturday June 13th
Entries Close: 11:59am, Wednesday 10th June, 2026
XCR Round 5 (R: Relays)
Sunday June 28th
Club administrators: registration for this event closes at Mon 22 Jun 2026 11:59.
JULY
XCR Round 6 XC:10 Bundoora
Saturday 11th July
Registration close: Wednesday 8th July 2026, 11:59am (Midday)
XCR Round 7 (R:10) Lakeside
Sunday 26th July
Registration for this event closes at Wed 22 Jul 2026 11:59