St George District Athletics Club

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-107296

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

St George District Athletics Club

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (18:11:09):

I inform the House of the fantastic work of the St George District Athletics Club as it approaches its centenary in 2021. Athletics currently has over 35,000 participants across the country and has produced some of Australia's greatest sporting legends, including Betty Cuthbert and Cathy Freeman. With track and field events ranging from long-distance running to high jump to shotput to javelin, athletics is a sport that accommodates all skill sets and ability levels. Locally in my community, St George District Athletics Club is one of the oldest continuously running athletics clubs in New South Wales. Its members have included 12 Olympians and Paralympians, such as Daniel Batman—who went to St Joseph's in Oatley, as I did—and four‑time world record holder the great Albie Thomas, OAM. The club's current ranks include national representative Bridie Delaney and Paralympian Nicole Harris.

The club has been pivotal in shaping the role of athletics in the St George area. It has provided training in a range of events for athletes from across the St George community. It boasts an impressive list of athletes who have gone on to compete in national and international championships. I will share some of the club's successes. This year Jasmin Lockwood competed in the Melanesian Championships in Vanuatu and placed first in the under‑18 female javelin event. This is an incredible event and the win is an achievement that Jasmin and her family should be extremely proud of.

Lauren Carey of Riverwood is a local girl who boasts an exceptional young career. In January this year Lauren made her debut at the six‑kilometre cross‑country at the national titles in Canberra, ultimately being selected for the world under‑20 junior cross‑country championships in Denmark. Although only 15, Lauren produced the best Australian result in 10 years, finishing sixteenth behind the traditional powerhouses of Kenya, Ethiopia and Japan. Lauren also excels on the track, where she not only accumulates Little Athletics titles over 1,500 metres and 3,000 metres, but also achieves open medals at the Athletics NSW competition. I congratulate Lauren and her family.

Although not part of my electorate, congratulations must also be extended to Andrew Goschnik of Carlton and Billy Humberstone of Cronulla. These talented young men hold distinguished hurdling records and were selected to represent Australia at the Oceania Area Championships in Townsville. Nationally, the club had numerous athletics places in the New South Wales track and field championships as well as the New South Wales relay championships. The under 18 women's javelin team managed to break the New South Wales record by an astonishing 22.58 metres. Achievements like that demonstrate the extremely high calibre of the athletes who train with the club. They make me proud to be a member of our great local community. The club is also great for those who just want to be active and give athletics a go.

St George District Athletics Club provides opportunities for athletes as young as five years old as well as some of our most senior citizens. Between keeping fit, making friends and enjoying nature, it is no wonder that the red and whites have so many happy and loyal members. Although athletics is an individual sport, members of the St George District Athletics Club have the opportunity to be part of a friendly, welcoming community, forming relationships that last a lifetime. There is a plethora of benefits to staying active. Exercise not only improves physical fitness but also keeps the mind active and is essential for mental and emotional wellbeing. I am proud to say that this Government is committed to supporting clubs like the St George District Athletics Club and also to supporting general health and exercise across the State. Initiatives such as the Active Kids program are encouraging children to join clubs such as the St George District Athletics Club. On behalf of our local community I congratulate Chris Stratford and the whole team of the St George District Athletics Club on their success as a club and thank them for their immense contribution to our local community.