20,000 Students Use Bendigo's Lar Birpa Athletics Complex Annually

More than 50 schools and 20,000 students in Bendigo use the Lar Birpa Athletics Complex annually for school sporting carnivals and training. This level of involvement shows steady engagement with athletics among high school students across the region.

Why participation figures matter now

The numbers reflect a consistent pattern of students taking part in track and field events through school programs. Local fitness culture appears built around regular access to facilities that support both competitive and training activities for secondary students.

Programs and venues in use

Local secondary students in Years 7-12 can apply to the select-entry Athlete Development Program, which connects classroom learning with elite coaching in Athletics Track and Field. Bendigo Senior Secondary College takes part in School Sport Victoria competitions across the Sandhurst Division, Loddon Mallee Region and State finals. High school athletes also enter the Athletics Victoria AVSL summer season from October to March, covering sprints, hurdles, jumps and throws. Catherine McAuley College Bendigo and other local schools host Athletics Carnivals at the Bendigo Regional Athletics Complex, where students compete for age championships and attempt record performances.

Evidence from annual usage

The verified annual usage of the Lar Birpa Athletics Complex by over 50 schools and 20,000 students provides the clearest measure of current participation. These figures come directly from facility records and indicate sustained involvement rather than one-off events.

Continued involvement

Schools maintain these pathways through established competitions and coaching links. Students interested in further participation can check application details for the Athlete Development Program through their secondary school.