Orange to Welcome Athletics Leaders from Across NSW for 2026 Annual Conference

Orange will become the meeting place for community athletics leaders from across the state this month when the 2026 NSW Athletics Annual Conference, Little Athletics NSW Annual General Meeting and Awards Dinner is held in the city from 17–19 July 2026.

Supported by Orange City Council, the three-day event will bring together approximately 200 club volunteers, officials and administrators representing NSW Athletics Clubs from across New South Wales for an extensive program of professional development, networking and recognition.

The conference will officially commence with a skills development session and welcome function on Friday 17 July, followed by two full days of practical workshops, keynote presentations, interactive discussions and committee-focused learning on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July.

Designed specifically for the volunteers who drive community athletics, the conference provides members with the latest information, tools and resources to help build strong, sustainable and successful Clubs that deliver the best possible experience for athletes and their families.

Delegates will hear from leading presenters, participate in collaborative workshops addressing current issues facing community sport, and explore a trade exhibition featuring a range of NSW Athletics partners and sponsors.

In addition to delivering valuable professional development, the event is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the Orange region through visitor expenditure on accommodation, dining, retail and local attractions. With around 200 delegates travelling from across New South Wales, the conference is anticipated to deliver hundreds of visitor bed nights while showcasing Orange as a destination for major sporting conferences and events.

The event also provides an opportunity to highlight Orange’s continued investment in sporting infrastructure, including the new athletics facility currently under construction at the Orange Sports Precinct. Delegates will gain an insight into the city’s growing capacity to host athletics events and support participation at all levels of the sport.

Little Athletics NSW Chief Executive Officer Chris Giles said the Annual Conference plays a vital role in strengthening the volunteer network that underpins community athletics across the state.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of Little Athletics. This conference is about equipping Club Committees with practical knowledge, new ideas and valuable connections so they can continue delivering outstanding experiences for thousands of young athletes and their families across New South Wales.”

“We’re delighted to bring the conference to Orange, providing our members with the opportunity to experience everything the region has to offer while recognising the city’s commitment to community sport and investment in athletics.”

The conference will conclude with the Little Athletics NSW Annual General Meeting and the prestigious Awards Dinner, celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of volunteers, officials and Clubs from across New South Wales.

The 2026 NSW Athletics Annual Conference reinforces the importance of investing in volunteer development and governance, ensuring Little Athletics continues to thrive as one of Australia’s largest and most successful community sporting organisations.

Media Contact

Pat McGregor
Marketing Manager
NSW Athletics
pmcgregor@lansw.com.au