By Romy Stephens
The Yarra Ranges Athletics Club (YRA) celebrated its 50th anniversary at Eastern Golf Club in Yering on Saturday night.
Over 100, athletes, coaches, officials and supporters from generations past and present gathered to mark the occasion.
Club president Michael Clarke said the event was a chance for everyone involved in the club over the years to share stories.
“We wanted to try and create an event which allowed members past and present to reconnect rather than having a night that was full of formality,” he said.
“It’s such a long history and many people have moved on. Their physical connection to the club is well and truly finished.
“We thought if we could bring them together to celebrate the year that’s how we could mark the success.”
YRA first began in 1969 when the Lilydale Little Athletics Centre affiliated with the Victorian Little Athletics Association as the 43rd centre in the state.
Since then, the club has provided track and field and cross country competition in the local area.
YRA was originally located at the Lilydale High School oval, before moving to the Lilydale Recreation Reserve.
In 1991 the club relocated to its current home at Morrison Reserve in Mount Evelyn.
The track at Morrison Reserve was upgraded to an all-weather track in 2012, which will ensure the highest standard of facilities for the next 50 years of athletics.
Highlights from the 50th anniversary night included the largest single gathering of life members in the clubs’ history and a visit from Little Athletics Victoria CEO Anthony McIntosh and Councillor Tim Heenan.
Twenty-six athletes were also shortlisted as the inaugural YRA all-stars, with 12 voted in as the first inductees.
Michael said this all-star list will now become a tradition to help create a lasting legacy for the club.
“You feel like you’ve got a bit of a duty to help not only create the new history but to honour and respect those who have come before us,” he said.
“If you don’t protect and record these details they get lost.
“I see myself as the current president to hold onto those things as best we can, but to also provide a framework for others to continue that work.”
Michael added that the induction of all-stars helps recognise those who have dedicated exceptional service to the club.
“Volunteer community sport requires people to come together with a passion for making things happen,” he said.
“We’ve got wonderful people in our club that just do that. They go above and beyond.”
