Club History
The first Wallsend Athletic Club was first formed on 18th November 1874, Mr James Fletcher being the Club President and Thomas Abel (Chemist) first Judge. Competition was held in Federal Park until 1914 when the Club closed due to the war effort.
The Club reformed in 1957, with Mr V Prisk Club President. The club continued from 1957 until present time at the Federal Park site.
History of the Wallsend Athletics Clubs Book
1874 - 1987
now available for purchase
$20 (pickup) or $33.40 (including postage to anywhere in Australia)
Purchase on Monday night at the park or pay online
BSB: 062823 Account: 00904763 With Reference: book / your name
19 May 2020 - Robert "Bob" Ryan
With saddened heart I wish to Inform the athletics community that Life member and secretary of our club Bob Ryan has lost his hard fought battle and passed away with family by his side on Tuesday 19th May.
He will be truely missed and his family and friends are in our thoughts. A private funeral took place Tuesday 26th to comply with Bobs wishes and COVID restrictions, and a memorial will be held at a later date when restrictions are eased further. (Karren Watson, President)
Bob joined Wallsend Athletic Club for the 1976-77 season and was elected Secretary May 1978, a position he held until his passing. He was instrumental as Organiser / Manager of 12 Wallsend Club overseas tours involved total 230 athletes in period 1991 to 2016, project managing the meeting room/gearshed extensions at Federal Park, and a staunch advocate for athletics in general. He presented 245 weekly radio sessions of 3 minutes promoting athletics on Radio 2HD 1985 to 1991, and was a competition official from school carnivals all the way to his greatest achievement being at Sydney Olympics and Paralympics in 2000.
Bob has been the backbone of Wallsend Athletics Club for so many years and will be sorely missed.
18 July 2022 - Neville "Nev" Holahan
Wallsend Athletics are saddend to advise the passing of Neville Holahan past President of the club, coach and well deserved Life Member of Wallsend AC and the Newcastle Hunter Branch. Transferring from Newcastle Harriers and Joining Wallsend Athletics Club after marrying his wife Margaret Holahan, who is also a life member. They both were heavily involved in Athletics in the area, fund raising for the club and branch, taking part in hands on working bees, and organising interclub events. Neville was a successful coach in any discipline having coached numerous national athletes, but was also an exceptional walks and distance coach. Neville had also researched and completed a history book of Wallsend Athletics Clubs which covers the years 1874 to 1987 when the club joined and affiliated with LANSW.
He will be missed.