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Track and Field | Cross Country | Venue Map

Formation of the Centre

The formation meeting of the Dandenong Little Athletics Centre was held on the 18th December 1968, just four years after the Little Athletics movement was founded at Geelong.

Track and Field: Go to top

The first competition was held at Greaves Reserve (Dandenong Show Grounds) on Saturday 1st February 1969, with competition continuing at this venue until the move to Robert Booth Reserve for the 1970-71 track and field season. The original location at Robert Booth was the southern end "oval" (now occupied by baseball) and the "asphalt fire track" for sprints and other activities during inclement track conditions.

During October and November 1973 all competition was held at Robinson Reserve ground in Doveton-Eumemmering due to the poor state of the ground at Robert Booth.

The Centre moved to the current venue at the rear, northern end, of Robert Booth Reserve for the 1984-85 season. The venue has been specifically designed and constructed with athletics and the Centre in mind. The first competition was a trials day on Saturday 15th September 1984. The new facilities were officially opened with a large carnival as the Dandenong Athletic Complex on the 17th November 1984.

In June 1993 our President of 23 years, Cr. Barry Powell (JP) passed away. As a tribute to his service and dedication to the young sports people of the Dandenong area the track was dedicated at a twilight meeting on the 17th December 1993, as "The Barry Powell Little Athletics Track".

Cross Country: Go to top

In addition to the track and field season (September - April) Dandenong runs a cross-country season (May - August). This has always been a significant event from the beginnings of the Centre. The original competition was held at the Police Paddocks. In 1972 the competition was moved to Churchill Park where it remained until returning to the Police Paddocks in 1977. The Police Paddocks provide a unique venue, with excellent cross country terrain, suitable for both the 5 year olds and the open age group.

In 2000 Parks Victoria works at the Police Paddocks site triggered the design of a challenging new course along the Dandenong Creek adjacent to the Robert Booth Reserve.

During Cross-country the Centre is often joined by other Centres or their individual members. Participating Centres have included Waverley, Caulfield, Cranbourne, Brighton, Oakleigh, Moorabbin, Springvale and Pakenham.

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