Our History

Our club was officially founded on March 24th, 1976. Originally the intention was to form Newcomb Senior Athletics Club with Eddie Smith a coach at Newcomb Little Athletics having twelve U14 male athletes who wanted to join Seniors. He had approached another Geelong Club but was told the Newcomb athletes were not good enough. As a result, Eddie spoke to Geelong Centre President, Stuart Robley who advised him that the recently formed East Geelong Club headed by Mick Gaskin were considering folding. A meeting was held with both Eddie and Mick present and it was agreed to amalgamate the two.

It was decided to establish Bellarine Athletics Club as a club which would not only take athletes from the East of Geelong but also athletes from all over the Bellarine Peninsula. At the request of Eddie, the bright red colours worn by East Geelong were adopted by Bellarine.

Joining the Newcomb athletes were three athletes who came across from East Geelong – David Melvin, Rob Claridge and Dale Keating. These Bellarine athletes first took to the track back on October 2nd, 1976. During the 1976-77 season Landy Field underwent works to upgrade from red cinder to a rubberised bitumen track and competition was transferred to Goldsworthy Reserve in Corio.

The new club was determined to do well but it was not until the 1984/5 season that Bellarine won the Men’s Open section – the Club’s first pennant. Eddie moved to Ballarat around this time and Laurie Blair, who had come from Lara Athletics in 1977, took over. Laurie, although now residing in Scotland is still an avid follower and Life Member of our Club.

Over the years our Club has had many dedicated and long serving Committee Members and athletes who have helped keep our small but proud club going. Many you will find listed as Life Members below.

Today our members come from all over the region. We are a family friendly Club and our members range from social to elite athletes. Both past and present athletes have represented Australia on the international stage including our most decorated athlete, former World Champion and Olympic Bronze medal race walker, Nathan Deakes.

Life Members