We can thank Mr Val Swyer who, as the official representative from Brighton JayCee's and City of Brighton, formed part of a committee that included the first President, Fergus Niall.  The Chairman, Dennis Smith, recommended our formation.

We were called Brighton/St Kilda and competed in an area in front of the current pavilion at Elsternwick Park.  Most of the events of today existed, however, there was a time when the javelin was dropped from the program and hurdles were only introduced in the '70s.

The Centre nearly folded after 2 years, but with local community help, council support and a shift to Dendy Park, it survived.  The clubs were originally known by their geographical area and consisted of Brighton, East Brighton and Gardenvale.

The early morning set up during these first few years was particularly tiring with lane markings and some mowing being done before the Saturday morning start.  There were no permanent marks as there are today.  In the 1973/74 season the clubs were renamed Jets, Thunderbirds and Rockets.  The Comets were added in 1975 by splitting the Jets into the schools we have today.

Brian Dixon, who was a Minister in the State Government, was involved in Little Athletics with his children.  He was a close friend of local identity and Barrister Frank Dunphy and gave a great deal of assistance by way of publicity.  The Brighton Council continued assistance, but the majority of the finance was raised by way of raffles and regular functions at Frank and Annette Dunphy's home which was a large property in Drake Street, capable of catering for 500 people. 

The Frank Dunphy Trophies were instituted at Brighton by Frank who had an obsession with the trier and he spent hours every week setting up a system of handicap races, thus allowing for a more even competition for children of varying capabilities.

These trophies were (and still are) seen as encouragement awards for children who were not necessarily champions but who regularly attended, performed to their best capabilities and improved throughout the season. The trophies were renamed as memorial trophies in honour of Frank when he died in January 1979.

Parental assistance was a problem, with a minority of regular helpers.  Quotes from Alison Ball, Secretary from 1972 to 1974 and President from 1975 to 1977 typify many of the committees thrusts for those years.

"... but Little Athletics can never continue to operate successfully without the interest, co-operation and help of the majority of parents."

"One word on the clubs, for they are the secret to success.  For it is at the Club level that communication of the goals of Little Athletics can best be achieved.  Clubs have an important role to bring about the family orientation, fun for everyone, commitment to fitness and friendship in doing so."