Celebrating the Women of Australian Athletics on International Women's Day

For International Women’s Day we are celebrating the Women of Athletics. Today we want to celebrate the champions on the ground. These Women are the hearts of our clubs. They are the people that play important roles on club committees, officiating Athletics events across Australia, helping in the canteen and making people feel welcomed.

Their hard work is making the sport better than it was yesterday.

Dianne Calvert
Club: North Canberra-Gunahlin
ACT

Why are we recognising Dianne?

Dianne is the President of the North Canberra Gungahlin Athletics Club. A key part of the Athletics ACT Competition Committee

Does the rostering of Officials for all ACT Track and Field events, whilst being an official herself

Helps around the club in the canteen and BBQ

Nicky Jenneke
Club: Cherrybrook
New South Wales

Why are we recognising Nicky?

Been at the club for 18 years where has been

• • President
  • Treasurer
  • Registrar

Nicky is described as the face of Cherrybrook and affectionately known as the “grandmother of the club” and known as the life and soul of the club

Spends countless hours of her own time to get income for the club, running the canteen and organising/selling merchandise

Helps organise coaches so everyone in the club feels involved

Rae Henery
Club: Cairns
Queensland

Why are we recognizing Rae?

Been involved in the club for six years in roles such as

• • President
  • Vice President
  • Canteen Coordinator

Outside of the club, Rae has been a Photo Finish Judge and a member of multiple Athletics local organising committees.

Has helped Athletes of all ages and abilities to achieve their best through sport.

For all volunteers and potential volunteers out there “Don’t be afraid, everyone starts somewhere” is one of many quotes from Rae.

Kathy Nelson
Club: Port Adelaide
South Australia

Why are we recognizing Kathy?

Has been a committee member of Port Adelaide Athletics Club for 10 years

When she arrived in 2010, membership was at ten. In twelve months, membership grew to 32 with now over 170 members.

Kathy was a key instigator for the Port Adelaide Active for Life Program, which caters for mature aged people with an exercise and fitness program. This has over 60 people involved

Kathy initiated the Port Adelaide Aboriginal Athletics Squad for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.

Susan McClenaghan
Club: Newstead
Tasmania

Why are we recognizing Susan?

Been on the committee of Newstead Athletics Club for 8 years, which includes 5 years as President.

Currently the Vice President

Multiple volunteer roles around Tasmania and Australia including as a throws official

Has been giving her time in coaching Athletes from around the region

Amanda Collins
Club: Kingsway
Western Australia

Why are we recognizing Amanda?

Amanda is Kingsway LAC's Inclusion Officer and actively promotes inclusion for all athlete no matter their ability.

Amanda organised a celebration of International Day of People with Disability at Kingsway which included; hosting a 'Come and Try' Day for members of the Community with a disability who had never tried Athletics before.

Amanda also successfully had two Inclusion Track events added to the State Relay Championships and helped form Kingsway's inaugural Inclusion Relay team who went on to win gold in both events.

She also volunteers her time as a long track time keeper and as a Walk Judge

Ronda Jenkins
Club: Brunswick
Victoria

Why are we recognizing Ronda?

A member of Brunswick Athletic Club for 51 years, Ronda currently acts as the club’s Registrar, Secretary and Treasurer.

Tirelessly completing much of the administrative preparation for as many as 40 events every year across the Athletics Victoria calendar, Ronda also attends all meets to fulfill the Administration Manager’s duties.

Her commitment as Competition Secretary for almost every national championship over the last few decade

Nominated as Volunteer of the Year at the VicSport Awards