Gawler Gymnastics Club Inc.

A concise History

On the night of July 23, 1946, fifteen sports minded men of the Gawler district met in the Town Hall: Their aim - to form a club which would cater for gymnastics, sports and educational talks. The success of their intentions to form such a club is embodied in the club as we now know it.

Originally named Gawler and District National Fitness Club this organisation has had its ups and downs. Like all such clubs it is dependent on the support of its members and the community. That your club is performing a worthwhile function in Gawler is evident from the support it now receives. It was not always so as is shown in the chronology below. However, several local families have had more than one generation in its membership.

23/7/1946 - Inaugural meeting at Gawler Town Hall. Steering committee appointed. Constitution sought from the national fitness council.

30/7/1946 - Second Town Hall meeting. 50 chauvanistic men and boys decided to name the 'Gawler & District National Fitness Club' - for boys only (for 6 months); girls club formation to be investigated thereafter.

8/8/1946 - G&NFC Constitution agreed to; general meeting arranged for 24/8/46.

24/8/1946 - General meeting held at Town Hall. Opening date for the club was decided as 5/8/46 at the Oval Hall. Messers Milder, Frick & Young were the first instructions appointed. The club was duly launched at a dance and the opening ceremony was performed by the mayor.

30/9/1947 - 20 members attended the annual general meeting - thanks were expressed to Gawler Trotting and Jockey Clubs and other donors for their support. Growth in club activities indicated a successful year.

1948 - Was a year of note in that the club involved itself in activities, demonstrations, acquired new equipment arranged inter-club activities and engaged in instructor training. It was agreed in this year that all members be medically exained by the clubs medical officer, Dr. Covernton

1950 - In contrast, 1950 saw the demobilisation of the club, when its assets and equipment were put in trust, according to the rules of the constitution.

1959 - Saw club activities resume. Affairs were administered by Gawler Apex Club during this period.

1963 - This year saw the reformation of the club as we know it today. It was renamed 'Gawler & District Fitness Club', the constitution was revised and it affiliated with the South Australian Youth Clubs - now known as South Australian Community Recreation Association.

1977 - It is intended in this year of 1977 to broaden the clubs activities to encompass the aims of the clubs' founders. Consequently, you will note our program although still principally gymnastics, will include films, talks and where possible, inter-club activities.

1978-80 - Committee reorganization - Club incorporation, gradual rebuild of Club activities and enthusiasm. Purchase of modern equipment and training of Instructors from young people who have grown up with the club.

1980-82 - Ladies Keep Fit Classes dropped in 1981. Advent of Chris Watters, whose drive and ability has lifted the club spectacularly. A lot of modern equipment purchased and very significat results achived in the SACRA competitons in 1982. Affiliation of club with SAGA (South Australia Gymnastics Association).

1982-84 - Gymnastics weekend camps at Illawonga Gym Camp, near Swan Reach, 1983 and 1984. 1984 Club named to Gawler Gymnastic Club Incorporated. Initiated 5-7 year old class - highly successful. Several members represented the state in the SAGA championships at Level 6.