By ANNA USHER

Mosman’s young athletes are rallying behind a major community fundraising campaign to help deliver a new all-weather sprint track and high-jump area at Balmoral Oval, in a project supported by Mosman Council.

The upgrade – which will install a 110-metre, four-lane all-weather track and a dedicated high-jump facility – aims to replace the uneven, flood-prone grass surface currently used by hundreds of local athletes each week.

Mosman Athletics says the project will provide a modern, safe and inclusive training environment not only for Little Athletics members, but also for local schools and the wider community who rely on the oval year-round.

The proposed works at Balmoral Oval will deliver a range of significant community benefits:

• All-weather performance – training and competition can continue even in wet conditions, avoiding the frequent washouts caused by the oval flooding.
• Safer training – reducing injuries linked to sprinting, hurdling and jumping on uneven ground.
• Elite-level surfaces – giving local athletes access to facilities comparable to Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre (SOPAC).
• Better skill development – enabling young athletes to refine technique, boost confidence and build long-term participation.
• Faster event set-up – minimising time spent marking lanes and preparing hurdles and jumps.
• Inclusive opportunities – providing pathways for athletes with disabilities to train alongside their peers.

“This is about more than sport,” the committee said. “It’s about creating a safe, inclusive and inspiring hub for the entire Mosman community.”

How Locals Can Support the Campaign

Mosman Athletics has launched a tax-deductible fundraising appeal through the Australian Sports Foundation and is almost halfway to its initial $25,000 target.

Residents and businesses can help in two key ways:

• Donate directly – Gifts of $2 or more are tax-deductible.
 Donate HERE.
• Contribute to the Silent Auction – Locals can donate products, services or experiences for an upcoming fundraising event. To take part, email [email protected].

With more than five decades of history, Mosman Athletics has long been a cornerstone of sport on the lower north shore. The not-for-profit, volunteer-run organisation welcomes athletes aged 4 to 15, seniors up to under-20, Masters athletes and community members.

“Our mission has always been simple: fun, fitness and inclusivity,” the committee said. “This track is the legacy we want to build – a facility that is modern, safe, and built to last for the next generation.”

To learn more or support the project, visit the WEBSITE.