Diamond Valley Little Athletics Centre
Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Creative Industries) (09:59): I rise today to recognise the Diamond Valley Little Athletics Centre and to celebrate the outstanding contribution this organisation makes to my community. Steve Burgess, president of the centre, has dedicated some 19 years of service to Little Athletics at both club and centre level. His journey began when he stepped up as a volunteer coach for On Track, which is the program for 5- to 7-year-olds at Little Aths. Since then he has been a constant presence, fostering a culture built on the Little Athletics motto, ‘Family, fun and fitness’. Diamond Valley is fortunate to have an exceptional team of volunteers, including life members who remain actively engaged. Among them are Lesley Bell, who is been the club’s chief timekeeper for an incredible 40 years, and Patrick Finlayson, who has served as an official starter for some 30 years. Both have been formally recognised for their service by Little Athletics Victoria. Their dedication, along with that of many other volunteers at the Little Athletics centre, ensures that each meet runs smoothly and that every child can enjoy fair, well-organised competition. Founded in 1967, the Diamond Valley centre is now preparing to embark on its 59th season in September, with more than 500 registered athletes aged from under six to under-17. It is already looking forward to celebrating its 60th anniversary, a milestone that will no doubt be a fitting tribute to decades of sporting achievement and community spirit. I thank Steve Burgess, the life members and all the volunteers at Diamond Valley Little Athletics for their commitment to our community.