Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame recognises former participants who have achieved at the highest level in their chosen sport or profession.

LAA Board Regulation Hall of Fame Recipients Criteria and Process

Awards

Track and Field – Former Little Athletes who have represented Australia in athletics

Sportsperson – Former Little Athletes who have competed at the highest level in Sport

Achievers – Former Little Athletes who have achieved in a non-sport related discipline

Volunteers – Any person (outside those eligible above) and/or families who have made an outstanding contribution to Little Athletics in Australia.

In their Sporting discipline / in their designated Sport.

Track and Field

Nathan Deakes (2009): World champion and world record setting racewalker.

Steve Hooker (2009): Olympic and world champion pole vaulter.

Melinda Gainsford-Taylor (2009): World indoor champion, three-time Olympian and Australian 100m and 200m record holder.

Jana Pittman-Rawlinson (2009): Two-time world champion in 400m hurdles.

Amy Winters (2009): Multiple Paralympic gold medal winning sprinter.

Jane Saville (2010): Olympic bronze medallist and three-time Commonwealth Games champion racewalker.

John Steffensen (2010): Olympic and world championships 4x400m relay medallist; Commonwealth Games 400m champion.

Darren Clark (2011): Olympian, World Champion medalist and Commonwealth Games 400m Champion.

Bronwyn Thompson (2011): Commonwealth Games Long Jump Champion and Commonwealth, Oceania and National record holder.

Christine Stanton (2012): Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games competitor in the high jump, and Australia’s first female jumpers to use the Fosbury Flop.

Debbie Wells (2012): Olympic games competitor in the 100, 200 and 4 x 100m relay.

Jane Flemming (2013): Two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games competition in the Heptathlon, and Australian record holder for the highest Heptathlon score. Successful media career and business woman.

Sally Pearson (2013): Gold medallist at the 2012 Olympic Games in the 100m hurdles, and Olympic record holder, and silver medallist at the 2008 Olympic Games. She has represented Australia in 5 World Championships, 2 Olympic Games and 2 Commonwealth Games.

Dani Samuels (2014): Bronze medal in the discus at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, won the gold medal at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics,

Dani attended her 2nd Olympics in London in 2012, where she again made the final of the discus event, this time finishing 12th.

Nicole Boegman-Stewart (2015): Australian and international long jump and triple jump champion and silver medalist at the 1982 Commonwealth Games.

Todd Hodgetts (2016) 2016 Rio Olympic Silver medalist, Australian and international Shot Put Champion, Australian record holder.

Fabrice Lapierre (2016) 2010 Commonwealth Games Gold medalist, Olympian and Australian and international long jump champion.

Kim Mickle (2017) 2014 Commonwealth Games Gold medalist, Olympian and Australian and Oceania Javelin record holder.

Lauren Wells (2018): eleven time national 400m hurdles champion, Commonwealth Games and dual Olympian.

Jayden Sawyer (2018): Para athlete, world champion and world record holder in the F38 Javelin Throw.

Kylie Wheeler (2019): Dual- Olympian in heptathlon. Four-time national champion in heptathlon and won a silver medal in the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Alana Quade (nee Boyd) (2019): World class pole vaulter having won the national championship in 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2015. Selected for the 2007 World Championships and 2008 Summer Olympics and was a finalist at 2012 Summer Olympics finishing in 11th place. Finalist in the 2012 Indoor World Championships, finishing in 9^th.

Stuart Rendell (2019): Dual Olympian in hammer throw, competed at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Part of the Australian team for the 1998, 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games, winning gold in Kuala Lumpur (1998) and Melbourne (2006).

Brandon Starc (2019): Australian high jump Champion, 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Olympian.

James Turner (2021): Represented Australia in the Pararoos (Australian Para seven-a-side football team). In 2013 named the Paralympic Football Player of the Year.   Turner burst back onto the scene at the Rio Paralympics winning the T36 800m by over 7 seconds and in a world record time of 2:02.39. After the Games Turner was named the Australian Paralympic rookie of the Year. At the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships Turner took gold in the 200m, 400m and 800m setting a new world record in the 200m. He backed this up at the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships winning gold in the 100m and 400m setting new world records in both events.   Turner also competed at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in the 100m and 400m. He won gold in the Men’s 400m T36 setting a new games record with a time of 52.80, and won silver in the Men’s 100m T36. 

 Nicola Olyslagers (nee McDermott) (2021): Won a bronze medal in the Australian under 20 and open championship in 2015, earning selection to compete at the World University Games.  In 2019 she was named the Central Coast Sportsperson of the Year and 2019 Sydney University Blues Woman of the Year. In 2020, she won her first Diamond League competition in Belgium in September. At the 2021 Australian Track and Field Championships, McDermott sailed over the 2.00m bar to create history whilst booking a ticket to her first Olympic Games -Tokyo. Just months later, she proceeded to set a new national record of 2.01m in Stockholm in her last competition before the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and was awarded the 2021 Athletics Australia Betty Cuthbert Award. Nicola went on to win silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and set a new Australian National and Oceania record of 2.02m. Her performance made her the first Australian to win a women’s high jump medal since 1964. 

Rheed McCracken (2022): Rheed has competed at 3 x World Para Athletics Championships and claimed 7 medals across the three championships. He has competed at 3 x Paralympic Games and claimed 5 medals across all three Games. He is also a 2-x world record holder in the T34 100m event.

Jemima Montag (2022): Amongst many achievements in the discipline of race walking, arguably the most significant are her two Commonwealth Games gold medals, attained before her 25th birthday: - She placed first in the 20km walk at the 2018 Commonwealth Games (Gold Coast), posting a time of 1:32:50. - She placed first in the 10km walk at the 2022 Commonwealth Games (Birmingham), posting a time of 42:34.30.

Jessica Stenson (2023): Jess began her athletics journey at the Naracoorte Little Athletics Centre as an U8, participating for around 7 years. Jess still holds club records for the U15 Girls Long Jump, 1500m and U16 Girls Long Jump and Triple Jump. Jess represented Australia at the 2012 London Olympic Games, 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, 2016 Rio Olympics, 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and most recently, the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, in which she won Gold.

Cedric Dubler (2023): Cedric was a member of LAQ for 6 years at both Toowong Harriers (2 years) and Aspley Centre's (4 years). Right from the get-go, Cedric immersed himself in Little Athletics programs both locally and state wide. On top of his regular attendance at Centre meets, Cedric attended 4 state coaching camps held on the Sunshine Coast during 2006-2009. His international career started in 2012 at just 17 years of age when he was selected to compete at the World Junior Championships where he placed 4th overall. His top international achievements include 2016 Olympic Games - first Australian in 16 years to compete in the Decathlon at the Games, 2018 Commonwealth Games 3rd place, 2021 Olympic Games receiving the distinguished Cecil Healy Award for Outstanding Sportsmanship and 2022 Commonwealth Games where he finished 3rd.

Jessica Hull (2024): Hull began her Little Athletics journey in 2006 in U8 at Albion Park Little Athletics NSW, after falling in-love with running at her school cross-country carnival. Hull's achievements in athletics are thus far; current World Record holder in the 2000m, silver Olympic medalist (2024 Paris 1500m), bronze World Indoor medalist (2025 Nanjing 3000m), bronze World Cross-Country medalist (2023 Bathurst Mixed Relay), 2 x Australian Olympic representative (2020 Tokyo & 2024 Paris), 4 x current Oceania Record holder for indoor and outdoor 1500m and 300m and 4 x Australian National Champion in 1500m.

Brooke Buschkuehl (2024): Brooke began little athletics at 5 years of age at Nunawading Little Athletics before transferring to Knox Little Athletics, combining an overall 7 seasons of participation in Little Athletics in Victoria. Brookes achievements in athletics are thus far; 2 x silver Commonwealth Games medalist Long Jump (2018 & 2022), 3 x Australian Olympic representative (2016, 2020, 2024), 2 x current Australian Women's Long Jump Record holder (Opens and U20), 4 x current Victorian Best Performances across multiple age groups and events and current holder of the Little Athletics Australia Best Performance (ABP) of U12 Girls Triple Jump.

Sportsperson

Alisa Camplin (2009): Winter Olympic gold medalist in aerial skiing.

George Gregan (2009): Australian rugby union captain and long serving scrum half.

Nova Peris (2009): Olympic gold medallist in hockey and Commonwealth Games gold medalist in athletics (200m).

Kathy Watt (2009): 1992 Olympic cycling gold medalist.

John Worsfold (2009): AFL premiership winner as a player and coach with the West Coast Eagles.

Hollie Grima (2010): Australian Opals basketballer.

Geoff Ogilvy (2010): World top-10 ranked golfer.

Natalie von Bertouch (2011): Australian Netball Captain and World Netball Championships gold medalist.

Matt Giteau (2011): Previous captain of the Brumbies and player in both the Rugby World Cup and Tri- Nations.

Simon Black (2012): Triple premiership player at the Brisbane Lions, Bronwlow medalist and winner of the Norm Smith medal in the 2003 grand final.

Megan Marcks (2012): Olympic Gold medalist and part of the first female rowing crew to win a gold medal at an Olympic Games.

Kimberlee Green (2013): Australian Netball team member,  and World Netball Championships gold medalist.

Patrick Mills (2013): an Indigenous Australian professional basketball player who currently plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and has also represented Australia in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.

Joel Selwood (2014): Australian Rules Football player and captain for Geelong, a triple premiership player, a NAB Cup winner, a six-time All-Australian—three times as captain—a triple Carji Greeves Medalist, a Michael Tuck Medalist, an AFLPA Best Captain Award winner, and a four-time recipient of the AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award.

Sally Fitzgibbons (2015): Youngest World Surfing Tour qualifier in ASP history, Women’s World Title runner up 3 consecutive years, Rip Curl Women’s Pro at Bells Beach Title holder 2 years in a row.

Jackie Pereira (2016) International and Australian Hockey Champion, first woman to score 100 goals for Australia in International hockey.

Liam De Young (2016) 2004 Athens Olympic Gold Medalist, 2012 London Olympic Gold Medalist, International and Australian Hockey Champion

Jack Riewoldt (2017) Australian Rules Football player, two-time premiership player, a three-time Coleman Medalist, a three-time All-Australian, a nine-time Richmond club leading goal kicker and a two-time Jack Dyer Medalist.

Mitchell Starc (2017) Australian and International cricket fast bowler.

Kimberley Brennan (2018): rowing sixteen time national champion, two time world champion, three time Olympian and Australian gold medalist

Bradley Hardie (2019): One of the best Australian Rules footballers not only in Western Australia but nationally has well. Won the 1985 Brownlow Medal for the Fairest & Best Player in the Victorian Football League (VFL). Represented Footscray, Brisbane Bears, and Collingwood in the Australian Football League (AFL) and South Fremantle in the Western Australian Football League (WAFL).

Alanna Kennedy (2019): Member of the Australian women’s football (soccer) team the Matildas and is one of the best central defenders. Competed at the 2016 Olympics in RIO and 2019 was part of the Australian side at the World Cup in France, her 2^nd World Cup.

Chloe Esposito (2020): Won the gold medal in the women’s modern pentathlon at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Australia’s first-ever medal in the event. Across the 5 disciplines of fencing, show jumping, swimming, shooting and running, that make up the modern pentathlon, Chloe won the 150th gold medal ever by Australia.

Sarah Forbes (2020): Played approximately 60 games for the Australian women’s lacrosse team, 75 games for Western Australia at the Australian Women’s Lacrosse Championships and 260 Games in A grade for Wembley Lacrosse Club.

Playing for the University of Maryland Terrapins winning three national championships. Three time All-American and names the ACC Female Athlete of the Year in 1997.

Mark Blicavs (2022): Victorian State Champion - U9 400m, 2000 - U10 80mH, 2001 - U11 1500m, 2002 - U12 1500m, 2003 - U12 800m, 2003. Mark successfully overcame his lack of football experience to make his debut at the highest level in Round 1, 2013, against Hawthorn at the MCG on 1st April, at the age of 21. Mark was a key player in Geelong Cats side in their victory at the 2022 AFL Grand Final.

Caitlin Foord (2022): Started her career with Lake Illawarra in 2000, holding current Centre and Zone records. Started her senior soccer career with Sydney FC, before being a part of the Matilda’s team were she has played at Olympics and World Cups, currently is playing for Arsenal in the WSL and will be a member of the Matilda's Women’s World Cup team when they compete later this year in Australia and New Zealand.

Brett Lee (2023): is a former Australian international cricketer and fast bowler, who played and became a cult legend in all three formats of the game of cricket. Recognized by his trademark big flashy grin, Lee was forming his craft at junior level with the Oak Flats Rats Cricket Club in the Illawarra. To hitting the global stage as one of the fastest cricket deliveries of all time. 

Clare Polkinghorne (2024): Matilda legend Clare began her athletics journey at Mt Gravatt Little Athletics QLD at U9s through to U15s. Enjoying success both Centre and State level. Clare was selected to represent LAQ State Team at the 2002 ALAC in Adelaide. Only footballer -male or female- to be selected for 5 senior FIFA tournaments, 3 Olympic Games. She has been heart and soul of Matildas and been there for every major moment in Matildas team’s history for the better part of two decades. Awarded the Order of Australian Medal (2025), her achievements in soccer are as follow; Captained the Matildas 28 occasions, including FIFA World Cup 2015 & Rio 2016 Olympics, Football Australia Team of the Decade (2000-2013), 2 x Julie Dolan Medal for Player of the Year, 15 appearances for the Matildas at major international tournaments, Member of Matilda Team that won the AFC Womens Asian Cup 2010, 167 appearances for Australia, scoring 16 times and 139 Appearances for Brisbane Roar in the A-League.

Emilee Cherry (2024): Emilee is one of Australia’s most successful women’s rugby union player and a trailblazer for the sport on the world stage. Emilee started her Little Athletics journey at Roma Little Athletics Centre, 6hrs west of Brisbane from Tiny Tots through to U13. During her 9 Seasons of Little Athletics in Queensland she was a regular Local, Regional and State Competitor. In 2006 she attended LAQ Summer Coaching Camp. Her rugby achievements consist of being the recipient of the Women’s World Sevens Player of the Year in 2014 (first ever Aussie), first Australian to be anointed the Worlds best, at age 21. After scoring most tries and points in 2013-14 World Seven Series, Olympic Gold Medallist in Women’s Sevens (Rio 2016), Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist Women’s Sevens (2018 Gold Coast), World Rugby Hall of Fame Inductee (2024) and first woman after 20 men from rugby to be inducted into Queensland Sport Hall of Fame (2024).

Achievers

Dr Peter Larkins (2009): Olympian in athletics (3000m steeplechase), successful sports medicine doctor and media personality. Also one of the very first participants in Little Athletics.

John Maclean (2009): Pioneering wheelchair athlete who was the first to complete the Hawaiian Ironman and swim the English Channel.

Kirstie Marshal (2009): Pioneering aerial skier and Victorian politician.

Mike Whitney (2009): Australian cricket fast bowler and TV host and celebrity.

Dr Chris Bradshaw (2010): Commonwealth Games representative in athletics (decathlon), successful sports medicine doctor.

Janine Shepherd (2010): Inspirational former cross country skier who overcame life threatening injuries sustained in a bicycle training accident. As a walking paraplegic gained her pilots license and has authored a number of best selling books.

Paul Murray (2011): 2UE Drive Show host, acclaimed journalist and winner of the Brian White Award for Radio Reporter of the Year.

Brett Rosebury (2011): AFL umpire who has umpired in the past 4 grand finals and won the AFL All Australian Umpire award in 2008, 2009 & 2011.

Shane Crawford (2013): Australian Football League (AFL) player and captain, Brownlow medallist, Hawthorn Best and Fairest winner and Premiership Cup player. Now working in the media, and has raised more than $2.5million for Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Ryan Fitzgerald (2014): Former Australian Rules footballer and Big Brother contestant, now a popular TV and radio personality

John & Lenny Pearce (2015): members of the very successful all-male Australian hip-hop dance and pop music group, Justice Crew

Chelsea Roffey (2016) AFL Goal umpire, only female to have officiated in an Australian Football League Grand Final in the exacting role of a goal umpire.

Rishelle Hume (2017): Over 22 years’ experience in Aboriginal engagement ranging from employment, education, sporting, justice and health. Actively involved in the Aboriginal community within the Perth region as the Chairperson of the Mandjah Boodjah Aboriginal Corporation, Co-Ambassador and Founder of the Yorga Djenna Bidi Leadership Program, Noongar Charitable Trust Advisory Council Member, Co-Chairperson Department of Sport and Recreation Aboriginal Advisory Council and recently appointed by MP Julie Bishop to the National/Australian United Nations Education Science Culture Organisation (UNESCO) as the Cultural Portfolio Holder.

Andrew May (2017): Co-founder of Good Health Solutions (Executive Health Solutions), Australia’s largest corporate health consultancy. Also the founder of PT Plus; an international business consultancy based in Australia and the United Kingdom. Writes a popular blog ‘Performance Matters’ for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, has a regular segment on ABC News Breakfast and appears regularly on Channel Nine, as the resident lifestyle expert on the TODAY show. Author of bestselling books Flip the Switch, Between Jobs, and Switched On Health and Wellbeing Professionals Volumes 1 & 2.

Tony Buti (2018): Former high school teacher, lawyer, AFL player agent, legal academic, Labor Party member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly representing the seat of Armadale since 2010.

John Phillimore (2018): Held a number of very important positions in the Western Australian government. Executive Director and Professor, John Curtin Institute of Public Policy (JCIPP), Curtin University.

Jacquelin Magnay (2019): European Correspondent for The Australian newspaper, based in London, covering all manner of big stories across political, business, the Royals and security issues.  Past winner of the George Munster and Walkley Awards.

Amy Pejkovic (2020): Top Australian high jumper reaching number one in the Australian and World junior rankings in 2010 and 2011 and ranked number 2 in Australia in 2013/2014. International model with a career working with some of the top brands such as Chanel, Alex Perry, Stella McCartney and Country Road.

Jason Richardson (2022): commenced Little Athletics with Waverley Little Athletics Centre as an U7 athlete continuing for six years. He continued thru senior athletics becoming a professional athlete for six years from 1992, famously winning the Stawell Gift in 1993.

His sports media career started in 2000, with Channel 10, initially as guest reporter on Sydney 2000 Olympics, then as host / reporter with Inside Sport TV. This lead into being a foundation host of new 24 hour Melbourne Sports Radio station SEN-1116 in 2003, and has worked extensively on SEN hosting all the key daily programs, plus their feature coverage of AFL Football, Spring Racing Carnival, Track & Field, Cricket etc.

Volunteers

Trevor Billingham (2009) (deceased): Founder of Little Athletics. Established Little Athletics in Geelong in 1964 and worked tirelessly to see it spread throughout Victoria and Australia.

Barry Garment (2009): NSW administrator who has been involved in Little Athletics for close to forty years, establishing a new Centre and serving as a key association official at state championships.

Doug Hancy (2009): Western Australian administrator who has had a involvement in Little Athletics for over forty years and who formalised the conduct of state championships in WA.

Helen Moir (2009): Tasmanian administrator who has been involved in Little Athletics for over thirty years and who has been pivotal in the growth of Little Athletics in northern Tasmania.

Alan Triscott (2009) (deceased): Instrumental in the early spread of Little Athletics and the establishment of the Victorian Little Athletics Association and Australian Little Athletics Union.

George Harvey (2010): Queensland administrator who was instrumental in the growth of Little Athletics in Queensland an in Australia. Former President of Queensland Little Athletics and Australian Little Athletics.

Peter Wickes (2010): NSW administrator who has provided volunteer legal advice, administrative skills and coaching assistance over the past thirty years.

Jim Arkins (2011) (deceased): NSW administrator who has been involved in Little Athletics for over forty years playing a pivotal role in establishing many centres in NSW, treasurer on the Board of NSW and State Team selector.

Maxine Boyd (2011): Western Australian administrator who has had involvement in Little Athletics for over thirty years who held positions from club level to LAA Administration and Finance Director.

David Cramer (2012): WA administrator who has been involved in Little Athletics for over thirty years from former Chairman of LAWA and former President of LAA. Coach of the LAWA ALAC Team and International State team for many years.

Robin Johnson (2012): WA administrator who was the founder of the first centre in WA and the Association of WA Little Athletics.

Ken Gardiner (2013): NSW coach, mentor to officials and an administrator who has been involved for 41 years, and is still involved today.

Andrea Harvey (2013): QLD administrator who has been involved in Little Athletics for almost 40 years, from founding member of Kenmore Little Athletics Centre through to ALA Records Officer.

Alison Quirke (2014): QLD administrator who has been involved in Little Athletics for over 40 years from zone coordinator, chief judge to former President of LAA.

Professor Marcus Vowels (2014): Has been involved in Little Athletes for over 20 years, from medical officer and advisor for LANSW to collating data in relation to accidents and injuries sustained by Little Athletes at Little Athletics events.

Maria McConville (2015): NSW administrator at centre, zone, region and board level for over 43 years.

Kaye Runge (2016) WA Centre registrar, centre record and ranking officer, chief judge, group leader for LAWA international tours, former WA Board member. Has been involved in Little Athletics for over 30 years.

Bob Cruise (2017) IAAF International race walking judge who has been involved in Little Athletics for more than 50 years. High level coach at all levels from Little Athletics, masters and international level. Also volunteering in a number of roles at Coburg Little Athletics on the management committee, President and Competition Director.

Wendy Beisiegel (2018): Volunteer for over 30 years, held many different roles with Nuriootpa Little Athletics Club, Barossa Valley Little Athletics Centre and on the Board of Director of Little Athletics South Australia. Delegate at the Northern Zone Committee Meetings, Chief timer at club competition nights, a great resource for the BVLAC committee part of the organising committee for the 2002, 2009 & 2016 Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALAC’s).

Ron Keys (2018): Volunteering for more than 40 years at Little Athletics, ‘senior’ athletics, athletes with a disability and the race-walking community. From 1988 and 2012 he officiated at numerous centre, zone, region, state, national and international athletics championships, including the Pacific School Games, the IAAF 2006 World Junior Championships and the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Sprints/middle distance coach at both Doonside and Nepean.

Robert Chalmers (2019) (deceased): Volunteer for nearly 50 years. Contributing across the sport through coaching, officiating and team management roles. Involved in a Centre’s formation, as a centre Chairman through to key officiating roles at state level, coaching, and volunteering his time beyond Little Athletics to National, Oceania and International events.

Roslyn McAlister (2020): Has been associated with Little Athletics for over 27 years commencing at Townsville Central Little Athletics in 1992 as a parent helper at weekly competitions, holding centre roles and as a general committee member. She continued her involvement with Little Athletics with Zone and Regional Committee roles, through the Officials program, Competitions, Area Liaison Officer (ALO) and as General Director on the LAQ Board, before becoming the Finance Director in 2011 and being awarded Life Membership of LAQ in 2019.

Gwen Timmins (2020): Gwen has been a stalwart of the sport at almost every level – club, Centre, Region, State – since the 1985/1986 seasons. From the treasurer of Royal Ascot Little Athletics, Secretary,  President, Official at regional and state championship events right through to Area Manager.

Nicole Lopes (2021): Nicole has been a Little Athletics volunteer in Victoria for over 21 years. Starting in 2000 at Waverly LAC as an assistant age group leader. Nicole has a vast list of roles at Centre; Regional; State and National levels. Husband Stephen Lopes was awarded LAVic Life Governor in 2016, making the Lopes' the 5th husband & wife combination to have earned LAVic Life Governor Awards.

Heather Mitchell OAM (2021): Heather Mitchell is a long-standing member of Port Hacking Little Athletics where she first attended with her children on its opening day. Heather’s most significant contribution to the sport has been in race walking most notably as a judge and officials’ educator but also in competition organisation and administration.  Heather has held many roles at club, zone, state and national level. Heather first became involved at club level and then became the Port Hacking Centre delegate to zone and it was not long after that, that she was elected to the position of Centre officer for officials (2 years), then competition/championships officer and team manager (9 years), secretary (1 year), president (22 years) and championships officer until 2019.  She is also a life member of the Port Hacking Centre. Since the 1990’s Heather has been judging walks events at all Little Athletics NSW major events.  She was a long-standing member of the LANSW Board of Management joining in 1990. Heather’s involvement at Little Athletics NSW also spans across years of work on the Trans-Tasman Committee joining in 1984.  Heather Mitchell was awarded a Little Athletics NSW Merit Award in 1993 and Life Membership in 1998 because of this enormous commitment and involvement. 

Teresa Blackman (2022): Teresa’s love of athletics started when she was competing as an athlete and was re-ignited when her daughter commenced at Melville Little Athletics Centre in 2007. Teresa has been an active member of the little athletics community as a coach, official and administrator at club, Centre and state level.

In 2020, Little Athletics WA and Athletics WA unified, forming one State sporting body. Teresa was elected and served as the chair for the Athletics West board for the first 12 months. Teresa played a key role in helping navigate Athletics West through the transition to one sport. Teresa still remains an important member on the Athletics West board.

Andrew Duncan (2022): Andrew competed for the Syndal Little Athletics Club at Waverley Little Athletics Centre (WLAC) from 72/73 to 76/77 seasons. Andrew became involved in Little Athletics at the Mornington Little Athletics Centre (MLAC) in 2003, where he joined the Committee and got thoroughly involved in the operations of the Centre. Positions held during the period 03/04 to 18/19 include President, Registrar, Christmas Handicap Co-ordinator and Website Co-ordinator.

Andrew was actively involved at region level in multiple roles from 05/06 through to 16/17 season. At State level, Andrew has undertaken many roles on an ongoing basis since 08/09. Andrew is one of Australia's most broadly experienced and qualified officials, having officiated at Centre, Region, State, national (Australian Little Athletics Championships) and international (2017 Nitro meet, and 2022 Commonwealth Games) levels. Andrew's key honours include: - LAVic Meritorious Service, 2016 - LAVic Distinguished Service, 2017 - LAVic Life Governor, 2022 - LAVic Official of the Year, 2016.

Greg Peterson (2023): Greg Peterson has been involved in Little Athletics as an athlete and volunteer for over 25 years. Greg first started in Little Athletics in 1990 as an Under 15 athlete and it was from there where he discovered his true passion and love for the sport. By 1995 as a 19 year old, he was elected as President of the Hallett Cove Little Athletics Centre, making him the youngest President in Little Athletics South Australia history. He held the presidency for 5 years from 1995 to 2000.

Elected as Competition Director in 2004, Greg remains a vital asset, ensuring athletes have opportunities at the SA Athletics Stadium annually. Nationally, he organized the Australian Little Athletics Championships in 2009 and 2016, the latter hailed as the best in history. He volunteers over 800 hours annually, saving the organization $60,000 yearly. His dedication epitomizes the spirit of volunteerism and enriches the athletic community.

Edward Fabian (2023): Known as Eddie, he has been a committed servant for Little Athletics for well over 25 years and is involved at all levels of our sport, from Centre to Regional, State, National and International level. Roles include: LAQ Finance Director 2003 – 2011 (9 years), LAA Board of Management – Finance Director 2012 – 2017 (5 years), LAQ Competition Committee 2012 – present (12 years), Still involved at all levels of LA’s – Centre, Regional, State and National, Officiated at 4 x Australian Little Athletics Championships (ALAC’s), Current Competition Manager at all LAQ Competitions and Chair of Jury, LAQ Distinguished Merit Award 2009, LAQ Life Member 2013, LAQ Volunteer of the Year 2020 and LAQ Official of the Year 2023.

Still very actively involved in Little Athletics. In addition to his above roles, he coaches weekly at his
Centre (Balmoral), is a member of the LAQ Competition Committee, is an active official at all LAQ
competitions around the State and a member of our Competition Committee. His contribution in the competition and officials spaces is not just seen on the arena. Eddie spends countless hours behind the scenes ensuring each LAQ competition program is adapted to suit the number of athletes and officials.

Kay Knee (2024): Kay started in Little Athletics in 1996 with her daughter Brittany at Youngtown Club/South Launceston Centre. Where she has volunteered for the past 29 years. In roles such as line marking, official, organised training, educating officials and parents, attending committee meetings and Team Manager. Kay Knee portfolio includes, Life Member of South Launceston Centre, Tasmanian State official for 29 years, Little Athletics Tasmania Board Member (2002–2016, 2017-2018), 19 x ALAC Little Athletics Tasmania State Team Manager, 7 x U14 Team Manager, 6 x U12/U13 Coaching Camp coach/official/hut parent, Tasmania State Service Award recipient (2006), Distinguished Service Award recipient (2010), Little Athletics Tasmania Life Member (2002).