Claire is a local legend

Claire Osborn is recognised for her commitment to helping children achieve their dreams on the field through the Surf Coast Little Athletics Club.

Ms Osborn was named Surf Coast Shire’s newest Local Legend for her role in establishing the club during her maternity leave almost three years ago. The club now has over 150 young members.

“It’s really nice that my family in Little Aths nominated me for the Local Legend Award, but most of all it’s a collective contribution to make this possible,” she said.

“When I spoke to parents who were interested in enrolling their children, I was struck by how, like me, they had such fond memories of the friendships they had built at Little Aths.

“I thought our community would benefit from having something so accessible because I felt like families who wanted to participate weren’t participating because of the logistics.”

Ms Osborn worked as a paramedic and team manager at Ambulance Victoria’s Armstrong Creek Branch and said she competed in athletics events at Box Hill as a child.

“You could see that some of them were keen to represent their country at the Olympics given their experience with Little Aths, and it’s not that far-fetched,” she said.

“Part of it is also celebrating the talent that we have within our community. It makes you incredibly proud of what we have to celebrate here in our special place.

“I wanted something that my young children could do in the years to come and I felt that living in such an active community would benefit many children and their families.”