The landing mats, previously in use, had been deemed inadequate for high jumpers safety and the revised safety regulations meant that the club had to replace them.

Vice president Melinda Goad explained that often the more senior athletes would roll off the old much narrower mats on landing or almost miss them altogether.

“Safety is paramount for our athletes and these new mats are much better,” Mrs Goad said. “Our senior members are really happy with them and we can expect to see them chasing personal best jumps at the Thursday afternoon club meetings.

"The mats cost about $6600 and the new jump stands $1000. They were purchased with grants we received and we are extremely appreciative,” publicity Dannielle Kremer said.  “ACT Little Athletics Equipment Grant Scheme 2017 provided us with $3000 and the Federal Government’s - Stronger Communities Programme - Round 3 through Angus Taylor helped to the extent of $3,320 Goulburn Mulwaree Athletics Club provided the rest and purchased the new uprights and bar.”

The weekend of January 26 - 28 was a major achievement for the GMAC seniors, with athletes competing at two championships, travelling between Canberra and Wollongong.

GMAC athletes Chloe Waddell, Charlotte Kalozi, Josh Kalozi, Jaidah Jarvis, Ryan Goad, Evan Goad, Jack Young, Yasmin Titheradge, Joey Kremer, Paul Zucchetto competed at the ACT Junior and Senior Championships at the AIS and the NSW Country Championships in Wollongong. Both Championships were a great success with many medal placings and National qualifiers.

Among them Chloe Waddell ran an automatic national qualifier in the U17 400m Hurdles at ACT Championships, while Evan Goad jumped a national qualifying height in U17 Pole Vault at NSW Country Championships, both received silver medals.

This weekend Paul Zucchetto competed in open Shot Put and Discus and Joey Kremer in Open Javelin at NSW Open Championships.