Graham Davis awarded OAM in 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours List

Athletics SA would like to congratulate Graham Davis for being awarded with an Order of Australia Medal on the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Below is a portion of Graham's nomination, outlining his service to athletics.

Little Athletics - Hills Little Athletics Centre
As his children took an interest in athletics, Graham soon became involved and during the period 1988 to 2000. Athletics Graham took on several roles with the Hills Little Athletics Centre, including Volunteer Media Manager, involving weekly articles in the local Mt Barker Courier. He also acted as a committee member, timer, coach and was Cross Country Director for 8 years during his time with the Centre.

Senior Athletics  - Hills Districts Athletics Club
In 1993 Graham was concerned that there was no local senior club within the Hills Districts to cater for young Athletics  athletes as they emerged from Little Athletics, so with the backing of Athletics SA, Graham went about forming the Hills Districts Athletic Club. The Club enjoyed immediate success and for the next 17 years Graham managed the Club and the development of young athletes as they transitioned from Little Athletics to the Senior Club. The club went on to win almost 100 premierships over various age divisions at State Interclub competitions and  was voted the Club of the Year on 5 occasions during his reign. The Hills Districts Athletic Club, under Graham's guidance won 2 gold medals and 4 bronze medals against interstate clubs at the National Club Championships. Several athletes, who Graham also managed, went on to represent Australia at World Junior Championships, Olympic and Commonwealth Games, including Jess Trengove who won bronze medals in the Marathon at the last two Commonwealth Games. Graham and a band of Club coaches conducted regular holiday training clinics at Naracoorte, where Trengove was first talent identified. The Club was the 2005 & 2006 Regional Award winner for Excellence in sport. In 1995 Graham was named National Winner of Athletics Australia's Club Volunteer Award. In 2005, Graham received a Premier's Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of outstanding volunteer service. Graham was awarded Life Membership of the Hills Districts Athletic Club in 2008.

Athletics SA
In order to get more young athletes involved, Graham took on a part paid/part volunteer role at Athletics SA South Australia as Field Officer, Development in 1996. During his 8 year tenure in this role he founded the Athletics SA Coaching Development Unit, which involved training 50 University student coaches to form the group.  Up until 2004, Graham organised clinics in over 120 State Schools, providing 3900 hours of coaching for almost 8000 students, including every Indigenous Community in SA, resulting in an increase of junior membership at Athletics SA by almost 50%. Graham also selected and volunteer managed State Junior Teams at National Championships. Graham then went on to gain a Level 2 status as a coach, specialising in Middle/Long Distance and throws. After his Field Officer position at ASA lapsed, Graham coached a group of athletes at Mount Barker, up until 2014. He was awarded Life Membership of Athletics South Australia in 2006. Graham attained Life Membership of the Australia Track and Field Coaches Association, SA Branch in 2013.

Graham also had many years involved in other sports and projects that made up part of his nomination, which includes management of the “Let’s Get Active” Program, Tennis and Table Tennis

There is little doubt that Graham's tireless contribution to sport and his passion to be a good role model and leader within the community, over a long period of time, has provided opportunities for youth and others in the community to strive to be the very best they can.

Athletics SA is very grateful for Graham Davis’ service to our sport and congratulate him on his recognition on the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List with an Order of Australia Medal