Members keep field on track for 40 years

A COMMITTEE of dedicated men has been recognised for decades of service in managing Geelong’s popular athletics track – Landy Field.
The John Landy Athletics Field Committee of Management was originally formed in 1961 following an agreement between the City of Greater Geelong and the Geelong Guild Athletics Club.
The agreement resulted in the Geelong and surrounding local councils funding the development of the track and facilities.
The two longest serving committee members, Ron Palmer and Stuart Robley, have been involved in the development and running the operations of Landy Field for more than 40 years.
City of Greater Geelong sport and recreation portfolio holder Cr John Irvine said the committee had done a tremendous job in developing Landy Field.
“Thanks to the committee’s diligent stewardship, Landy Field has become a renowned regional athletics track and an integral part of Geelong’s sporting landscape,” Cr Irvine said.
“Their commitment has seen the facilities and equipment continually improve over the years to be used extensively by schools and athletics clubs for training and competition.
“The work of Stuart, Ron and the committee has resulted in Landy Field providing a level of service unheard of at other regional facilities and is the reason that our track is so heavily-booked for training and competitions.”
Cr Irvine said Landy field was also the first Little Athletics site in Australia and still had one of the largest Little Athletics membership bases in Victoria.
“Landy Field has given thousands of young people the chance to be active and participate in Little Athletics over the years,” he said.