Representatives from Rochester little athletics, including president Cindy Portswine, accepted the LAVic Centre Inclusion Award for 2023/24.
The LAVic Centre Inclusion Award recognises centres that have created a program, project, campaign, or plan that has demonstrably improved the level of inclusion and engagement with children at a disadvantage.
Following the 2022 flood disaster, Rochester Little Athletics Centre wanted to get its athletes back on track with the fewest expenses possible.
The centre was able to provide free uniforms, hold free barbecues and give out Rochester Business Network – Love Rochy vouchers to the athletes due to the generous sponsorship of various groups in the community.
The groups that provided grants were the Rotary Club of Bendigo, The Rotary Club of South Bendigo, Murray PHN, Echuca Moama Triathlon Club, The Salvation Army and Community Bank Elmore, Lockington and Rochester.
Ms Portswine said she felt honoured to receive the award on behalf of Rochester little athletics and emphasised the satisfaction of being rewarded for maintaining a community mindset.
“We felt pretty honoured to be awarded because Little Athletics Victoria is a huge organisation, and we were up against some metro centres,” she said.
“It was nice to be recognised for our work, and it was something different, not just about the sport.
“It was great to highlight among the little athletics community just how affected we were by the floods and how important it is to be community-minded.”
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