Nambour Little Athletics – Where Family, Fun & Fitness Thrive

Reflecting on the journey of Nambour Little Athletics is like flipping through the pages of a cherished family album. It all began in December 1983, when a spirited gathering convened with a shared vision: to inaugurate a Little Athletics Club in the heart of Nambour. Alison Quirke, then the Centre Manager of Maroochy Little Athletics, helmed the meeting, sparking a flame that still burns brightly four decades later.

From those humble beginnings emerged a club fuelled by passion and determination. We secured a foothold at Nambour State School, initially relying on borrowed equipment until we could stand on our own. Storage dilemmas were solved through the kindness of committee members, who opened their homes to house our growing equipment haul.

As our ranks swelled, so too did our ambitions. In 1986, under the stewardship of Robert Garvie, we embarked on a quest for a new home. After meticulous scouting, we found our sanctuary at the Sunshine Coast PCYC grounds. What followed was a labour of love, as weekends became synonymous with transforming an ordinary patch of grass into a track worthy of praise.

Our Saturday mornings became a scene of friendship beneath the ovals canopy of trees, occasionally interrupted by the curious gaze of a local carpet snake. Sharing quarters with the amateur athletics club, we embraced fundraising with gusto, from raffles to a humble canteen. The Nambour Show became a stage for our endeavours, where a simple hamburger and a warm cup of tea spelled success.

In 1993, 10 years after inception, we acquired a larger shed, a feat achieved through the sweat and toil of dedicated parents. Zone carnivals became our proving ground, drawing athletes far and wide to compete on our hallowed turf. Amidst the excitement, our close-knit community stood out, with a legion of volunteers ensuring every event ran smoothly. Nambour has always exceeded expectations in providing officials and volunteers for our region. 

Beyond the track, our commitment to inclusivity shone brightly. An annual carnival for disabled youth became a cherished tradition, where the pure enjoyment of participation transcended trophies. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, the spirit of unity, inclusion and encouragement permeates our ranks, a testament to the enduring legacy of the families who have come before.

Fundraising, a lifeline for our club, became an art form. From scavenging mill mud to operating the beloved ‘mobile muncher’, every effort was a testament to our collective resolve. The creek run, a perennial favourite, epitomised the joyous spirit of our community, where laughter echoed through the waters.

In times of need for our fellow regional clubs, Nambour rose to the occasion, transforming challenges into triumphs. Hosting Inter Centre games at the last minute became a rallying cry, with borrowed pumps and irrigation turning Petrie Creek into a makeshift oasis to water our grounds. All hands were on deck in preparation of hosting over 600 Little Athletes. And after the dust settled, the PCYC pool called, offering a well-deserved reprieve for athletes and supporters alike.

Nambour Little Athletics stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, nurturing dreams and fostering excellence. From grassroots beginnings to Olympic glory, our legacy is etched in the accounts of sporting history. As we look to the future, our resolve remains unwavering: to inspire each generation to ‘be their best’, both on and off the track.

Keffed Cordwell
Life Member & Patron