New direction for athletics body

THE region’s premier athletics organisation has rebranded.

Formerly known as the Ballarat Regional Athletic Centre since 1988, the organisation has changed its name to Athletics Ballarat with a new logo, image, and direction to be phased in.

Announced on Wednesday night during an event at Ballarat North Sport Club, manager Ashley Anderson said the transition is about broadening the scope of the organisation beyond Llanberris Reserve.

“It aligns with Athletics Victoria and Athletics Australia which is the first step with syncing up with our state and national bodies but it also moves away from the idea we’re a centre,” he said.

“Traditionally being a centre, we’ve been around Llanberris Reserve as the home of athletics whereas Athletics Ballarat is around the idea there’s so many different athletics you can engage with in the community.

“Not all of it is done within one sector, so Athletics Ballarat is an overarching entity. It’s not a place.”

The organisation has traditionally been home to Ballarat Harriers Athletics Club, Ballarat YCW Harriers, Eureka Athletics, and Wendouree Athletics.

New uniforms and merchandising are set to be introduced within the coming weeks, with the overhaul expected to be finalised by the beginning of September.

Mr Anderson said the rebranding is to allow for bigger changes.

“There’s been a few things we’ll look at in communications and membership, looking at incorporating the broader athletics community,” he said.

“Traditionally it’s been the four senior athletics clubs under our banner, and we’ll be looking to expand to little athletics clubs, recreational running clubs, any form of athletics in Ballarat and surrounds.

“Between the four senior clubs, there’s probably about 350 athletes, and then there’s also the Ballarat Little Athletics coming under the new banner, and that’s another 150.

“We’re hoping this will mean our numbers will jump up higher in the near future.”

Plans have been underway since last year to rebrand with consultation between the region’s athletics groups.