Little Athletics Queensland Partners with SportsLink Travel to Support Young Athletes
Little Athletics Queensland is proud to announce a new partnership with SportsLink Travel, with SportsLink recognised as the Official Travel Supplier of LA QLD. For the first time, Queensland’s Little Athletics community has its own stand-alone travel partnership, building on the support SportsLink previously provided under the national Little Athletics Australia arrangement. The partnership gives LAQ, its clubs and its families a dedicated sports travel team for every trip, from regional carnivals to the Australian Little Athletics Championships, while returning value to the Little Athletics programs that keep young Queenslanders on the track. This partnership is designed to give back. A share of the travel booked through SportsLink is returned to Little Athletics Queensland to reinvest in athletics programs, coaching and community initiatives across the state. Families and supporters who book their own travel through SportsLink add to that return. Every trip, from a weekend carnival to a national championship, helps strengthen the sport back home. The more the community travels together, the more comes back to Queensland athletics. “We are excited to build upon our past arrangements with SportsLink Travel,” said Christopher Davis, CEO of Little Athletics Queensland. “Over the past couple of years they have helped our team immensely to reduce the stress and workload required to move people across our state, and beyond. And now, we are excited to have these benefits flow onto our members too.” The partnership was also celebrated by Commercial Manager for SportsLink Travel, Shane Tonkin. “Little Athletics is where so many Australian sporting stories begin. SportsLink are thrilled to partner directly with Little Athletics Queensland and make travel easier and more affordable for the families behind every young athlete. The best part is that every trip booked through the partnership puts something back into Little Athletics in Queensland.” For travel enquiries relating to Little Athletics Queensland events, contact the SportsLink Travel team or visit sportslinktravel.com. About SportsLink Travel Founded in 2002, SportsLink Travel is a sports-exclusive travel management company working with more than 50 state and national sporting organisations across Australia, New Zealand and internationally. With offices in Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and New Zealand, SportsLink manages end to end travel for teams, officials, families and supporters, and was named 2025 Agency of the Year in Flight Centre’s Envoyage network. About Little Athletics Queensland Little Athletics Queensland is the governing body for Little Athletics in Queensland, offering track and field events for athletes in the U6 to U17 age groups across 84 affiliated clubs throughout the state. Guided by the Little Athletics motto of Family, Fun and Fitness, LAQ balances development, competition and fun through weekly club-based activities as well as supporting Regional and State Carnivals and Championships. For more information, visit laq.org.au.
LAQ helps launch Friends of GMR on the national stage
Little Athletics Queensland (LAQ) has proudly helped launch the Friends of Gallipoli Medical Research program nationally at Parliament House in Canberra, highlighting the powerful role community sport can play in supporting veterans and their families. LAQ CEO Christopher Davis addressed Members of Parliament, representatives from the veteran community, sporting organisations and distinguished guests at the national launch on Tuesday, 18 August. As one of ten founding Friends of Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR), LAQ has supported the initiative since late 2025. Christopher’s address represented not only Little Athletics, but community sport more broadly, exploring the shared values that make sporting clubs a natural place for veterans to reconnect, contribute, find a renewed sense of purpose and gives real health benefits, both physical and mental. “Sport and Defence share many of the same foundations: discipline, camaraderie, high standards and being part of something bigger than yourself,” Christopher said. “Veterans bring extraordinary leadership, organisation and life experience to our sporting communities. In return, local clubs can provide connection, purpose and a place to belong. “A veteran walking into a sporting club isn’t starting from scratch, they already speak our language.” The launch also marked the beginning of GMR’s three-year national research program examining how involvement in sport can improve the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families. The program will explore veteran participation in sport, the benefits and barriers to involvement, and opportunities for veterans to contribute through volunteering, coaching, officiating and leadership, not only as athletes. It will also develop a national engagement framework and establish ways to measure outcomes such as connection, camaraderie, purpose and wellbeing. Learn more about the research program. LAQ is now seeking Centres and individuals interested in helping expand the Friends of GMR partnership throughout the Little Athletics community. This may include supporting future fundraising activities, helping connect veterans with local Centres or assisting LAQ in developing initiatives that bring the partnership to life. Centres, volunteers and members who would like to be involved are encouraged to contact Little Athletics Queensland to express their interest.
$158,587 Secured for 7 Little Athletics Queensland Centres!
We’re excited to celebrate another fantastic funding success, with seven Little Athletics Queensland Centres receiving a combined $158,587 through the latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund! 🙌 These projects will help improve facilities and equipment, ensuring athletes across Queensland continue to enjoy safe, high-quality environments to train, compete and have fun. ⭐ A special congratulations to North Rockhampton Little Athletics Centre, who secured funding to replace their synthetic long jump runway after accessing our Grant Writers in Clubs program. The program provides eligible Centres with professional grant writing support at no cost, helping volunteers save time and maximise funding opportunities. Here’s what North Rockhampton had to say: “Working with Andrew on our Community Gambling Grant application was an easy and straightforward process. It has also helped me gain confidence and knowledge for future grant applications.” “Being successful with our application has been vital in allowing us to continue providing a quality experience to our members and our region.” 👏 Congratulations to all of our successful Centres:• North Rockhampton Little Athletics Centre – Synthetic long jump runway replacement• Ashmore Little Athletics Centre – Facility upgrades and equipment• Balmoral Little Athletics Centre – Facility upgrades• Beaudesert & District Little Athletics Centre – Facility upgrades• Bli Bli Little Athletics Centre – Equipment• Caboolture Little Athletics Centre – Facility improvements• Strathpine Little Athletics Centre – Facility upgrades These projects are another great example of what can be achieved when passionate volunteers are supported with the right tools and opportunities. 💙 Congratulations again to all seven Centres—we can’t wait to see these projects come to life!
2026 Award Winners
Congratulations to all of our 2026 Little Athletics Queensland Award Winners! Merit AwardsVanessa Vaughan Maroochy Little AthleticsLee-Anne Irvine West Bundaberg Little Athletics Club & Bundaberg Athletic ClubFrank Knight Memorial Coach of the YearDavid Frazer Strathpine Spitfires Little Athletics CentreBarrie Cox Memorial Volunteer of the YearLeanne Hilton Deception Bay Little Athletics Alison Quirke Official of the Year – Todd Williams Bracken Ridge Little Athletics Officials Merit – Mel Thomas Centre Registration AwardsHighest Registration Increase (Centres with 40-100 athletes)Tableland Athletics ClubHighest Registration Increase (Centres with 101-250 athletes)Souths Little Athletics CentreHighest Registration Increase (Centres with over 251 athletes)Toowoomba Little AthleticsHighest Re-Registration Percentage (Centres with 40-100 athletes)Tableland Athletics ClubHighest Re-Registration Percentage (Centres with 101-250 athletes)West Bundaberg Little Athletics Club & Bundaberg Athletic ClubHighest Re-Registration Percentage (Centres with over 251 athletes)Toowoomba Little Athletics Centre of the YearMajor City Souths Little Athletics CentreInner Regional Isis District Little A’s & Isis District Athletics Club Outer Regional & Remote Chinchilla Little Athletics Thank you for your dedication, effort, and passion throughout the season.
2026 LAQ Annual Conference
Make plans to join us from 5–7 June at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort for a weekend all about connection, ideas, and inspiration. This is your chance to link up with fellow Centres, swap stories, pick up practical tips, and walk away with fresh ideas you can put into action straight away. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or share what’s working at your Centre, there’s something for everyone. And it’s not all business—kick things off at the welcome function and get ready for a night to remember at the Awards Dinner… with an Awesome 80’s theme! Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of Little Athletics! More information & to register
Entries Open for 2026 Coles Winter Carnival in Townsville
Little Athletics Queensland is pleased to confirm that entries are now open for the 2026 Coles Winter Carnival, set to take place on 27 and 28 June 2026 at the Townsville Sports Precinct. Welcoming athletes from across Queensland and beyond, the Carnival is open to U7 through to U17 age groups, with both LAQ members and non-members invited to participate. The event continues to be a key feature of the winter athletics calendar, offering a fun and inclusive competition environment for athletes of all abilities. Held in North Queensland, the Carnival provides a great opportunity for athletes to compete, connect, and enjoy a weekend of athletics in a vibrant and supportive setting. Event Details: Date: : 27–28 June 2026 Venue: Townsville Sports Precinct, Burke Street, Townsville Eligibility: U7–U17 athletes Entry: Open to LAQ and non-LAQ participants Athletes can submit their entries online via button bellow. Nominate Now Please note: Athletes will age up for this competition and compete in their 2026/27 season age group. Please refer to the age group table for confirmation. With strong participation expected, athletes are encouraged to nominate early and be part of another exciting Coles Winter Carnival.
Queensland Shines at ALAC
Team Queensland has delivered an outstanding performance at the Australian Little Athletics Championships, capping off two action-packed days of competition with an impressive medal haul and a host of personal achievements. Queensland athletes rose to the occasion on the national stage, securing a remarkable 62 medals overall, including 28 gold, 18 silver and 16 bronze. The results reflect not only the talent within the team, but also the dedication and preparation leading into the Championships. Beyond the podium, Queensland’s depth was equally evident, with athletes achieving 60 top-eight placings across a wide range of events. Even more impressive was the number of personal milestones reached, with more than 40 personal best performances recorded throughout the competition. Each athlete who wore the maroon represented their state with pride, determination and sportsmanship, contributing to a memorable campaign for Team Queensland. Little Athletics Queensland congratulates all medalists and participants on their exceptional efforts and thanks to the team managers and supporters who played a vital role in the team’s success. The future is bright for Queensland athletics, and this year’s Championships are a strong reflection of the talent continuing to rise through the ranks. View all medalists below:
Call for Nominations: 2025–26 LAQ Awards
Little Athletics Queensland is issuing a call for nominations for the 2025–26 Awards, celebrating the outstanding individuals and Centres who make a lasting impact across our community. Each season, these awards recognise the dedication, passion, and commitment of volunteers, coaches, officials, and Centres who go above and beyond to create positive experiences for athletes and families. Centres and members of the public are encouraged to submit nominations across the following categories: This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people who help bring Little Athletics to life each week—those who lead, support, and inspire within their local Centre. Nominations close this Friday, 17 April. For more information on the awards and how to submit a nomination, please view the Awards Booklet below:👉 https://laq.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2025-26-Awards-Booklet-2.pdf Don’t miss your chance to recognise the champions of your Centre.
Board of Director Nominations Now Open
Little Athletics Queensland (LAQ) is calling for nominations for upcoming Board of Director positions. This is an important opportunity for individuals who are passionate about sport, governance, and community to contribute to the ongoing growth and success of Little Athletics across Queensland. Board members play a vital role in providing strategic direction, strong governance, and leadership to support the organisation and its network of Centres. LAQ encourages suitably qualified and motivated individuals to consider nominating and being part of shaping the future of the sport. Nominations must be submitted by 4:30pm on Friday, 24 April 2026. Please note that late nominations will not be accepted. For full details, including eligibility criteria and the nomination process, please refer to the official nomination document below:👉 https://laq.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-BOD-Call-for-Nominations-1.pdf For any further enquiries, please contact the Little Athletics Queensland office.
LAQ and McDonald’s Extend Landmark Partnership
Little Athletics Queensland is proud to announce the renewal of its long-standing partnership with McDonald’s Australia, as the iconic brand recommits as Major Sponsor for a further three years. First established in 1980, this extension will see the partnership reach an incredible 49 years—one of the most enduring sponsorships in Queensland grassroots sport. As part of the renewed agreement, McDonald’s will continue to support key initiatives including the recently launched Macca’s Local Legends campaign, celebrating the people who make Little Athletics so special across Queensland communities. Read more about the renewal HERE
