Three long-serving Little Athletics NSW staff members are celebrating praiseworthy milestones in 2019.

Diane Levy, Kerry O’Keefe and Darren Wensor have collectively clocked 88 years of service for LANSW, each providing an invaluable contribution to the company over many decades.

Since the 1980s, they have travelled to every corner of Australia to help grow the sport, coordinating State Teams, organising competitions and providing ongoing support to coaches, parents and athletes.

Diane Levy

Head of Competitions

How long have you been working at LANSW?

33 ½ years. I started here on Monday, 21 July 1986.

Do you remember your first day working for the company?

Yes; it was a very small office in the old Civic Arcade in Parramatta. The only staff were the CEO, myself and three Development Officers.

What are the most substantial changes you’ve noticed in Little Athletics during your time here?

Technology definitely; I started with an electric typewriter, and we used a Gestetner to copy all of our monthly reports, results, etc. We used to walk around the table in the board room and collate and staple before stuffing it all into the envelopes for centres. Very time consuming and amusing! After a few months, I was delivered a word processor machine (which I had to learn how to use). Then came emails and the internet – after all this time, I think I’ve mastered all of that now!

What does your role involve? What are your main tasks and responsibilities?

When I was first employed, it was as Administration Manager, and I had many jobs, including receptionist, registrations, championships and events, such as the Annual Conference. In 2011, after employing many more staff members, we had a staff restructure, and each role was broken up into many positions. As I preferred the competition side of it, I took on the role of Competition & Volunteer Coordinator. In recent years, we have had a few joint staff employed by both LANSW and ANSW. One of those roles was looking after all officials in NSW, so now I am Head of Competition and look after all areas of competition in LANSW.

What is your fondest memory working for LANSW?

Definitely meeting lots of lots of wonderful people – both adults and children. And seeing those children coming back to Little Athletics with their own children. Makes me very proud to be part of this fantastic organisation.

What event in the 2019/20 summer calendar are you most excited for?

I’ve always loved the Multi-Event; the very first one was held in Parkes in November 1988. It was then moved to the first weekend in March in 1990 and has been held at that time every year since; the event is now called Combined Events. This season we are taking it to Tamworth for the third time, but now it will be held on a fantastic new synthetic track.

Why do you love Little Athletics?

I first became involved in Little Athletics in 1980 when my eldest son joined the Bankstown centre. The family moved to Leonay in 1982, and my three sons joined Glenbrook LAC. From 1982 to 1995, I was on that committee and had many roles, including President, Registrar, Competition Officer, as well as Age Manager. I was incredibly proud when I received Life Membership of that centre at their first induction of Life Members in 1997. From 1981 to 2011, I attended all Little Athletics NSW events as a volunteer official – as a timekeeper and high jump referee (in 1993 I had to give up that when I had to stand on a chair to measure for records, as the athletes were jumping way above my head). I started as Information Officer at State Multi-Event in 1994, a role which I held until State 2011. I really enjoyed that role as it was a great opportunity to meet many centre personnel.  I was very proud to receive a LANSW Merit Award in 1997 and then a LANSW Outstanding Service Award in 2007 as a volunteer.  Following the Little Athletics NSW staff restructure in 2011, I now attend all events as a staff member.

Little Athletics was something that my husband, Mark, myself and boys, Scott, Chris and Grant all were able to do together as a family. Now my five grandchildren all do Little Athletics and love it!

Kerry O’Keefe

Chief Executive Office

A 21-year-old Kerry O’Keefe (at the time Kerry Arkins) joined the LANSW staff in June 1989 as an Education & Development Officer. Five years later, O’Keefe was appointed CEO of LANSW and has skilfully served in that position since. In 2019, she celebrates 30 years with the company.

The July 1989 LANSW newsletter welcomed O’Keefe to the company:

“Kerry is a young, outgoing, vivacious lady with good communication skills and will be a great asset to the association. Kerry is a young lady who takes sport seriously but also enjoys it immensely. She has had the opportunity to visit many parts of Australia. It is wonderful to see a former Little Athlete give back to the sport she loves what she received from it. Her understanding of the needs of  young athletes will ensure a vital and ongoing programme for the betterment of Little Athletics.

“It is hoped that Kerry will have a long and happy career with the association.”

Darren Wensor

Head of Coach & Volunteer Development

How long have you been working at LANSW?

Commenced in late January 1994, I think! I relocated from Melbourne to take on the role. I have worked for LANSW for half of my life.

Do you remember your first day working for the company?

Yes, the 3-room office was located in George Street Parramatta, in a building opposite the old Roxy Theatre. It was a big day for me, as I was in a new state and a new job with lots to learn. I participated in Little Athletics when I was a kid, so it was quite a thing to be formally working for a movement that I spent a large part of my childhood within. In my first week, I was taken to Asics – a supporter at the time – to pick up some shoes, tracksuits, shirts, etc. I still have one of those pairs of shoes – and still wear them around the house – 25 years later!

What are the most substantial changes you’ve noticed in Little Athletics during your time here?

The growth of the national body; no national office existed when I started. Also, the introduction and influence of technology – we all used to have to share computers in the office! New age groups have been introduced as well.

What does your role involve? What are your main tasks and responsibilities?

I currently drive the development of coaches, officials and other volunteers. I see my role as helping give people the confidence to contribute to the sport in a role and at a level to which they aspire. Over the years I have visited schools, conducted coaching clinics for kids, written resources, delivered coaching education courses and workshops, coordinated the LANSW state team, attended well over 100 live-in coaching camps, provided teacher education, attended state and national events and liaised with other sports.

What is your fondest memory working for LANSW?

Travelling to coach in places that I would not have visited otherwise. E.g. Lightning Ridge, Broken Hill, Pooncarie, Ivanhoe, Wilcannia, White Cliffs, etc. I remember an eagle almost flying through the car windscreen when driving around the West. Also, being a part of 24 State Team (Australian Little Athletics Championships) campaigns was very special.

What event in the 2019/20 summer calendar are you most excited for?

All of our workforce development events that not only help to make the sport experience better for the participants but also the people delivering the sport to the participants.

Why do you love Little Athletics?

It is a true family and community activity. There is something for everyone, regardless of a person’s shape or size. It can contribute to the development and well-being of young people. It comprises some of the most fundamental movement skills that can set up a young person’s sporting life.