SLAC History

The Sale Little Athletics Centre (SLAC) was founded in 1968. Alan Triscott flew in by private plane from Geelong to officially launch the opening of the centre.

In 1980 four clubs were formed at SLAC: Thomson (green shirt), Latrobe (yellow shirt), Avon (blue shirt) and Macalister (red shirt). Macalister was the most successful of those four clubs, taking out the Richter Shield 9 times in 10 years until in 1990 all clubs were joined.

The centre uniform changed to a plain dark green t‑shirt with a large number 30 on the front.

The track and the facilities were slowly built up. Four apprentices built the wooden equipment shed, organised by the Dept. of Housing, in 1979. A new jump pit was constructed in 1985 (with the all‑weather run‑up finished in 1987) and our shelter was built in 1998.

14‑year‑old athlete Dean Huffer originally designed our current singlets back in 1999.

In the season 2000-01, Javelin was introduced to the U/11 to U/15 age groups, while also that year ‘On Track’ was conducted for the first time for the U/6 age groups.

We have also had some very talented athletes coming through our Centre that have done really well in athletics or other sports. A few examples are: Natalie Harvey (1996 Olympics 5,000m, 2000 Olympics 10,000m), Kristopher and Scott Pendlebury (VFL/AFL), Craig Huffer (World Junior Championships 2008, sub‑4‑minute miler), Kevin Beams (VIC Open Long Jump Title), Dean Huffer (National 3,000m Under 18 Title), Mitchell Cooper (National Triple Jump Under 14 Title), Cordy Brothers (Neil, Brian, Graeme & Roger) (AFL), Ace Cordy (AFL), and Jacob Schuback (VFL/AFL).

Mr John Wesley (Wes) Heywood

30/7/29 - 3/11/19

Affectionately known to all as Wes Heywood, he was the founding member of the Sale Little Athletics Centre in 1968. He served as Centre President from 1977 to 1991, then moved into the role of Treasurer from 1991 to 1996. Wes was awarded Sale LAC Life Membership in 1982.

Wes attended the Centre every Saturday to support, coach, and encourage young athletes, and he played a major role in mentoring committee members. Due to ill health later in life, he was unable to attend meets, but he loved hearing stories about what was happening at the Centre.

Wes made enormous contributions to regional athletics. He served as Region President in 1979/80 and again from 1986 to 1997, and later became Regional Treasurer from 1997 to 2008. His passion was Race Walking, and he served as Regional Walks Co‑ordinator from 1994 to 2008.

In recognition of his dedication to Little Athletics, Wes was awarded VLAA Life Governor in 1992.

Wes’ Own Athletic Achievements

• 1986 (age 57): Competed in his first Melbourne Marathon. He went on to complete 10 marathons, earning membership in the prestigious Melbourne Marathon Spartans Club.

• 1995 – Australian Masters Games: Silver in 1500m Walk and 100m Hurdles.

• 1997 (age 70) – Australian Masters Games:

  • Gold – High Jump (1.16m)

  • Silver – Triple Jump (7.15m)

  • Silver – Pole Vault (1.40m)

• 2007 – Australian Masters Games, Adelaide

Thanks to Wes’ hard work and determination back in 1968, Sale still has a thriving athletics centre today. His legacy lives on through the Wes Heywood Award, presented to SLAC athletes who demonstrate resilience, ambition, and growth in their athletics.

SLAC Life Members

Life Membership is awarded to members who have shown long‑standing commitment to the club.

• 1974 – Mr Rod MacKenzie

• 1978 – Mr John Spicer

• 1980 – Mr Bill Cox

• 1982 – Mr Gordon Elliot

• 1983 – Mr Wes Heywood

• 1987 – Mrs Pam Dickinson

• 1993 – Mrs Colleen Willcocks

• 1996 – Mrs Monica Scicluna

• 1999 – Mrs Diane Thexton

• 2008 – Mrs Wendy Hood

• 2012 – Mrs Darhlene Kelly

• 2016 – Mr John MacLachlan

• 2024 – Mrs Kylie Johnston

Sale LAC Presidents

The role of President is appointed by nomination at the Annual General Meeting.

• 1970–71 – Mr C May

• 1971–72 – Mr Rod MacKenzie

• 1972–75 – Mr Harry Roberts

• 1975–77 – Mr Gordon Elliott

• 1977–91 – Mr Wes Heywood

• 1991–92 – Mr Peter Miles / Mr Frank Dredge

• 1992–94 – Mrs Monica Scicluna

• 1994–98 – Mr Ian Taylor

• 1998–00 – Mr David Wheeler

• 2000–03 – Mr Doug Kay

• 2003–07 – Mrs Diane Thexton

• 2007–08 – Mr Simon Cooper

• 2008–14 – Mr Neville Warry

• 2014–16 – Mr Justin Ross

• 2016–17 – Mrs Bronwyn Elson

• 2017–20 – Mrs Darhlene Kelly

• 2020–21 – Mrs Christey Johnson

• 2021–24 – Mrs Olivia Alcock

• 2024–25 – Mr Daniel Mizzi

• 2025–27 – Mrs Amy Laverty