Harriers Life Members
The Bendigo YMCA Harriers have a long tradition that has been the result of wonderful contributions by many members. Below are those members that have been recognised for their splendid service to the club.



Athletics Club
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1978 David Kitt David joined the club at the age of 16 when asked by his cousin Richard who was President of the Club at that time. He got involved as secretary and President over a number of years, Along with Richard they and the small club membership (there wouldn't have been more than 20 members back in the late 50's early 60's) conducted bottle drives, went rabbiting (editor note - no wonder they were fit in the good old days chasing rabbits like greyhounds) then taking orders from people and selling their catch to raise funds for the club, provided supper at club Presentation nights with the members paying 2 shillings and sixpence (25 cents in today's money). David was also involved with the Bendigo Regional Centre ( Now Athletics Bendigo) as Vice President, President. He become a VAAA coach, served as a Board member on Athletics Victoria, Victorian Team Manager, Country Committee member, Technical observer for Australia at Olympic Games, organised a number of club trips, both interstate and to Hong Kong/China. Involved also with the Olympic Dream runs and the around the Bay runs. David along with Ian Bowles, Barry Boxshall and other club members came up with the idea of running a fun run at Easter which is now well known as the Bendigo Bank Dragon Mile securing the sponsorship from the Bendigo Building Society (now Bendigo Bank). He was a life member of Athletics Bendigo and a Merit Holder of Athletics' Victoria. A Trophy was donated in his honour for the best Male club at the Victorian Country Championships for his support and dedication to Country Athletics. He held numerous records and won local Track and Cross Country titles and Country Championships as well as winning the Keith Huddle Memorial in 1965.
1981 Ian Bowles  
1981 Barry Boxshall  
1981 Graeme Smith  
1981 Ivan Kitt





Ivan joined the club at the age of 11 and has been a club member for 46 years. In that time Ivan has undertaken various roles within the club, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Press Correspondent, Club Newsletters, Official and coach also representing the club at Centre level and Athletics Victoria on Summer and Winter Committees.Ivan has been a link between the Harriers and the Bendigo Regional YMCA.

In 1977 Ivan officiated at Pan Pacific Games in Canberra and 1982 at the Brisbane Commonwealth Games. For his contribution to the Club and the Sport he has been awarded Life Membership of Athletics Bendigo, Merit Award Athletics Victoria, 40 year service badge from Athletics Australia,Achievement Award Sports Focus. Centenary Award and recently a Life Membership of the Bendigo Regional YMCA.
1993 Maryan Andrea







Maryan became involved with athletics and the Bendigo YMCA Harriers when her daughter Michelle took up athletics with the YM/YW Little athletics club, where Maryan helped out officiating and the running of the club. When Michelle continued on into senior athletics Maryan followed continuing to help the club officiating and became Secretary of the club for a number of years.

Maryan worked at the Hospital (Bendigo Health) and through her support got the club involved with the Hospital Review "Instiches" that resulted in the club being given a donation for our work, This happened every two years which became a club fundraiser but also a great social activity for members. Maryan also played a big role in the clubs Trips to Hong Kong and China. She is still involved with the Club every Easter Monday assisting with the Dragon Mile and Drink van at the Madison Carnival.

Maryan was the first female Life member of the club and her life membership was well deserved.
1999 Paul Bennett  
1999 Neil Macdonald  
1999 Keith Macdonald  
2001 Leon Gilbert  
2003 Leigh Purtill  
2003 Garnet Rodda  
2004 Anne Buckley  
2006 Jack Davey




 
2007 John Knight John joined the Bendigo YMCA Harriers in 1975, John won U/17 and two U/19 Victorian High Jump Titles, 1976 Bendigo High Jump Champion. In 1977 John went to Ranger College Texas USA on an Athletics Scholarship, where he was Texas High Jump Champion. John was also a 5 times Victorian High Jump Champion, as well as New South Wales Open Champion, 3 times runner up in the Australian High Jump Championships.On two occasions was flag bearer and carried the Victorian Flag for the Australian Championships. Australian Track and Field representative for the Pacific Conference Games in Canada and USA in 1985. John was Australian Team Flag Bearer for the Opening Ceremony in San Francisco, 1985.

Captain of the Victorian Track and Field Captain 1986, representing Victoria in High Jump on 25 occasions whilst being an Olympic Torch Bearer in 2000. John has always been prepared to assist any club member with some coaching in High Jump and promote the club when ever he could. It was nothing for John to catch the train from Quambatook on a Saturday to compete in the High Jump for the Club. In 1984 John set a record of 2.20 metres which still stands as the Bendigo Centre Record 25 years later.
2007 Ken Bruechert  
2007 Alan Craven  
2009 Tony Fahy




 
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This page over time will be updated with photos of our life members and a short description of their service to the club
Note: Tony Fahy to be added to Board
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At the Great Wall of China on Harriers trip
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