It is with a tinge of sadness that I write my final report as President (and unfortunately also Secretary) this year for Eastlakes. Our family have been involved with the club since 2013 and having served on the committee during that time, I believe the time for me to step back is right.
Our year got under way later than usual in October, operating under very strict Covid-19 safety principles. To all those who helped us all stay safe I thank you. We would normally finish the week before State Championships, however we wanted to give all of our families the best value for their money and their time so the decision was made to press on for an extra 3 weeks. We were relatively lucky with the rain, only missing a few weeks, and also choosing to run in the rain on occasion to allow our athletes to participate (and run off the energy young kids have).
We also showed our success as a club in the representative field, with 28 of our 141 junior athletes attending the Regional Championships at Mingara. A fantastic effort considering we are a relatively small athletics club. This was surpassed by our efforts at State Championships where 11 of our athletes qualified for this honour. As a club, I can say we are proud of all of our athletes, and extremely proud when you represent the club at other carnivals.
We were fortunate, thanks to “super-coach” Tony Mahaffey to have a senior competition again this year with 6 Senior athletes. I put forward to all parents that if you would like to have a bit of fun, and get some exercise in, please consider joining our senior club and come down on a Wednesday night for a run, jump and throw.
First we give thanks.
To Craig and Michelle – without you both (and those hard-working kids of yours) this year many things would not have got done. I am so grateful that people with both your passion for your kids, and exercise, is so abundant and on behalf of the club I thank you both for the efforts you put in this year. For those that don’t know, the field is in the great condition it is because of Craig’s mowing and marking expertise. To our registrar and fill-in Zone Co Trish, you have also stepped up way beyond what any of us could have expected and again I thank you. To Mike, thanks for your efforts every week and right throughout the year. By taking control of our timing function it allowed both myself and Craig to get around and fill in as starters when needed. To Tony, thank you for all that you still do for the club way after your kids have stopped turning up. Your efforts in coaching and running our seniors program is greatly appreciated, along with your efforts on the grounds committee that needs your excellent co-ordination skills. To Wayne – what a super effort from you. You turn up all the time (even when we are not on – oops sorry mate) and do so out of a commitment to the club that cannot be questioned. To Kelda and Brian for stepping up and taking control of our canteen and barbecue that helps the club to make some money, and for all of us to fill our bellies on a Saturday morning. To Drew, there is not a better bell-ringer, thank you for all of the help you gave this year in timing, set-up and pack-up. A big thank you also for the effort Jack Barnes put in at Regionals and State Championships in helping out with activities and athlete preparation.
A massive thank you to all of our parents that put their hands up to be age marshals this year. Week in and week out, you recorded and assisted our athletes to enjoy themselves and do their best. I ask that you always take the opportunity to be part of our club when you’re there with your kids.
To anyone I have missed I apologise profusely and I want you to know I thank you too.
Now the plea for help.
We have an outstanding family-oriented club that really supports our kids to be their best. Clubs cannot operate continuously without parents putting up their hands to do something for the club. The more people who step up to help the less everyone has to do. I encourage you all, but especially those of you who you know your kids are going to want to be coming to Little A’s for a long time, to get on the committee and take on a role. We have simplified down what needs to be done and if we can get every role covered, the leadership team will make sure the necessary stuff gets done and the committee can put their energy into how we can make our little club even better. Please, please, please……. Just do something for your kids sport. Without mums and dads putting up their hands to help, our kids will not have the opportunity to do the things they love. The club really needs you now.
On a final note, congratulations to all of our athletes for your efforts. From the tots who just love to come and have some fun (and I will definitely miss that) right up to our Australian Representative athlete in Ashlyn Blackstock, I wish you all the very best to what your futures hold and hope that you can make your own dreams come true – whatever they may be.
I have truly enjoyed my time at Eastlakes Athletics and made some great friends, and I will always have time for the club if they need my help in any way.
Geoff Whiddon
President