At our club, we love getting involved and giving back! Whether it’s raising funds for the club or supporting other local community groups, we’re always finding creative ways to make a difference.
Throughout the year, you might spot our coaches and gymnasts at a Rural Show, dressed in funny outfits for a cause, or enjoying canteen specials at the end of the year — all in the spirit of fun and community support. Every effort helps build a stronger club and a stronger community!
HISTORY OF OUR CLUB
The commencement of the Natimuk & District Gymnastic Club Inc. was initiated by Mr. Reg Hateley to provide activities for the youth of the district. From a public meeting in September, a Club was formed and the first gymnastic classes were held on Friday 30 September 1960, in the Natimuk and District Soldiers’ Memorial Hall. The inconvenience of being unable to hire the hall every Friday stimulated the search for a permanent venue. The Natimuk State Primary School was purchased in November, 1963. Later when the school facilities were clearly inadequate for the number of participants, plans were drawn up to build a new 100ft x 50ft gymnasium on the Shudolz St site. With the aid of grants, fundraising efforts, and a loan, the new building was constructed and opened in 1970. Following a 2 stage extension project the building today is filled with high standard equipment which is currently being enjoyed by 200+ members.
Over the years many people have volunteered their time to coach, organise, judge, repair, construct, seek grants, clean and raise funds in order to provide a programme of activities for the youth. Some of the youth have then gone on to give back to the Club by becoming coaches themselves. Features of the Club over 50 years have been an active, energetic committee, dedicated program leaders with young gymnasts stepping up to be junior leaders, a membership base from Natimuk and a 50+ km radius and strong support from Natimuk businesses through sponsorship and donations, which is a credit to the small community of Natimuk.
Perpetual acknowlegement is given to the founder Mr. Reg Hateley in the form of an annual trophy and also to Mr. Len Parfett in the form of an annual encouragement award. Len’s involvement spanned a remarkable 46 years of regular effort and dilligence in a wide variety of areas. Life members of the Club are Reg L. Hateley, A.L. (Gus) Fordham, Jack Fitzpatrick, Len K. Parfett, Shirlee Skiller, Leonie Hateley, Keith Lockwood, Michael Cook, Lynette Morrow, Dorothy Cook, Michelle Lowe, Mary Smith, Janelle Payne and most recently Jenelle Patterson and Louise Puls.
Over 50 years on, the Club continues to provide excellent gymnastic instruction to cultivate wholesome physical, mental and social behavior and development.
COMMITTEE & MANAGEMENT
The Committee of Management is a dedicated group of volunteers. Most committee members are parents of gymnasts and will often be in the office area during gym classes. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any query you may have.
The club is governed by its Constitution, Policies and Procedures, all of which are available upon request or can be accessed via our website. The Head coach is responsible for all coaching matters and has the assistance of several other paid and volunteer coaches.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
The purpose of Natimuk & District Gymnastic Club Inc. is to encourage, develop and promote the sport of gymnastics throughout Natimuk and the surrounding district.
- aims to provide a facility and programs which meet the recreational, physical, cultural and social needs of the local community.
- aims to cater for all ages and abilities, from raw beginners to advanced athletes.
- aims to offers a range of programs designed to meet the needs of all who participate.
- encourages all participants to have fun, whether their involvement is competitive or recreational. This attitude is encouraged at Natimuk & District Gymnastic Club Inc. as we consider all sport to be fun.
GOVERNING BODIES
Gymnastics Australia is the governing body that coordinates the rules and regulations within each Gym Sport nationwide.
Gymnastics Victoria is the organisation comprised of affiliated clubs and registered members. It is the controlling body for all GymSports within the State of Victoria.
Gymnastics Victoria is affiliated with Gymnastics Australia which is affiliated with the Federation of International Gymnastics (the governing body of gymnastics world-wide).
All participating athletes, coaches, judges and officials must be registered members of Gymnastics Victoria. Registration includes an insurance package through Gymnastics Australia. All registrations are void at the end of each calendar year, therefore all members must reregister at the beginning of each year. As a gymnast, you are registered by the club, when your registration fee and details have been forwarded to Gymnastics Victoria, who then forwards this on to Gymnastics Australia. Therefore, payment of this fee is required before you will be allowed to participate. As a registered member you will be covered under personal accident insurance and will have access to State and National events.
