RAYMOND Terrace Athletics Centre is celebrating 50 years of track and field excellence in the Port Stephens region.
To mark five decades of athletics in the local community, the established club has planned a busy calendar full of events, competitions and celebrations.
For the past 50 years, the Centre has provided thousands of local children with opportunities to develop athletic skills and sportsmanship, build confidence, form lifelong friendships and enjoy participation and community.
The 2026-27 season promises to be one of the most memorable in the Centre’s history and past and present athletes and families are to be part of the celebrations.
Long-serving club secretary Deidre Hall told News Of The Area that the 50 year milestone was a “significant achievement” for the proud sporting organisation.
The Centre will hit the ground running with its annual Bunnings Barbecue at Heatherbrae on Sunday August 23 followed by an onsite Registration Day at the David Marsh Athletics Track on Saturday August 29 from 10am to 1pm where families can register, meet committee members and purchase Centre uniforms.
Decorated stalwart Deidre said the season officially begins with a Come and Try Day on Saturday September 5 commencing at 9am.
The event provides athletes and families with the opportunity to experience athletics in a fun, welcoming environment before the first weekly competition on Saturday September 12.
One of the highlights of the season will be a special 50th Anniversary Pentathlon on Saturday October 10.
This commemorative event is expected to attract athletes from across the region to celebrate the Centre’s rich sporting history.
The Centre will also be hosting the Port Hunter Zone Championships on November 21-22 with athletes from the nine athletics centres within the Port Hunter Zone competing at the David Marsh Athletics Track.
Celebrations will culminate with a 50th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday December 5 at the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club.
The evening will feature special guest speakers, reflections on the Centre’s proud history and recognition of the many volunteers, athletes and families who have contributed to its success over the past 50 years.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the club committee is compiling a display of photographs, memorabilia, records and stories spanning the Centre’s five decades.
Former athletes, officials, volunteers and their families are invited to reconnect with the Centre by attending the dinner, sharing their memories and, where possible, loaning memorabilia to help tell the story of Raymond Terrace Athletics Centre.
Adding even more pride to the anniversary season is the outstanding achievement of Centre athlete Sienna Newton, who has travelled to Scotland to represent Australia at the Paralympic Commonwealth Games in long jump.
Sienna’s selection is a testament to the strength of the Centre’s athlete development and provides an inspiring example for the next generation of young athletes.
For registrations and further information, visit www.raymondterraceathletics.com.au or follow Raymond Terrace Athletics Centre on Facebook for the latest updates.
By Chris KARAS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
