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In a region perhaps best known for orchards, ponies, farming, and wide-open space, another kind of local legacy has quietly taken shape - athletics.
For more than 50 years, Little Athletics has been part of growing up in the Hawkesbury — where kids from ages three to 17 gather each week to sprint, jump, and throw their way toward personal bests. But more than that, they’re building confidence, friendships, and a love of movement that often lasts a lifetime.
What began as Richmond Little Athletics in the early 1970s has since grown into two long-standing centres Hawkesbury City Athletics Centre, based at Tamplin Field, Hobartville, and Kurrajong-Bilpin Little Athletics, founded in 1980, serving the rural and semi-rural communities of the northern Hawkesbury.
Together, they offer one of the most inclusive and enduring youth sports programs in the region.
Where it all happens: Tamplin Field and beyond every Tuesday
At Tamplin Field — named after respected local sportsman Bernard “Bern” Tamplin — Tuesday evening competitions kick off at 5pm. There, children of all ages and abilities take part in events ranging from sprints and long jump to shot put, hurdles, and relays. The emphasis is on participation, fun, and self-improvement.
In 2021, the club rebranded from Richmond Little A’s to Hawkesbury City Athletics Centre, better reflecting the reach and diversity of its members across the local government area.
Meanwhile, Kurrajong-Bilpin Little Athletics, nestled in the foothills, continues to provide a vital sporting outlet for rural families — balancing tradition, accessibility and high-performance potential.
Few people understand that journey better than Marilyn Pearson — who coaches for Wests Senior Club and is a long-time convenor at Kurrajong-Bilpin. Her coaching career spans decades, and many of her athletes have gone on to wear green and gold.
“Eighteen Kurrajong-Bilpin athletes have now represented Australia,” says Pearson. “One has been to the Olympics, several have competed at World Championships, and a few at the Oceania Championships. One of our former athletes is even coaching an Olympian now. That’s the kind of legacy we’re building.”
She currently trains athletes from both centres, including two Hawkesbury juniors — a jumper and a race walker — who are showing early signs of World Junior Championship potential.
Spirit over stadiums
Despite these achievements, regional athletics is not without its challenges. Travel costs, rising event fees, and limited infrastructure often put real pressure on families. Yet the passion endures.
“It shows the depth of talent we’ve had in this area — and they’re doing it without elite facilities,” says Pearson. “We might not have stadiums with grandstands, but we’ve got dedicated coaches, committed families, and athletes who keep showing up, often at real personal cost. Travel, state-level fees — it all adds up. But they keep turning up anyway. That’s the spirit that keeps this sport alive in the Hawkesbury.”
Full circle
Many Little A’s competitors return later as coaches, volunteers or parents — a testament to the program’s generational impact.
Recent local standouts include Cameron Davies, who ran 11.50 seconds in the Under 17 years 100m at the 2023 State Championships; Luca De Burnay Thompson, a triple threat in Long, High, and Triple Jump, now competing for Wests Senior Club, and Tabitha, named Coles Little Athlete of the Month in 2021, recognised for consistency and heart.
“Talent grows where there’s consistency and care,” says Pearson. “It’s not about where you start — it’s about showing up, putting in the hard work, and being believed in. That’s what Little A’s gives to young people. And that’s why I keep turning up, year after year.”
A track for everyone
Whether your child dreams of Olympic glory or just wants to try something new, Little Athletics in the Hawkesbury offers far more than competition — it builds strong bodies, strong minds, and even stronger communities.
And every Tuesday night, you can still hear the heartbeat of that legacy — one jump, one race, and one cheer at a time.
Have a Little A’s story to share? Email editor@hawkesburygazette.com with the subject line “Little A’s Legacy.”
