LAVic has been closely monitoring the Bureau of Meteorology weather forecast (Scoresby) in the lead up to this weekend’s State Track & Field Championships.

The event will proceed on Saturday as scheduled. The weather will be hot with temperatures peaking in late afternoon.

Should conditions be deemed to be unsafe for our Officials and athletes, contingent programming maybe required.

This could include:

  • Temporarily halting and re-scheduling specific events;
  • Temporarily halting and re-scheduling all competition;
  • Extending the program into the cooler evening/night.
  • Extending the program into a third day (Monday 11th March; least preferred).

LAVic will make every effort to give all athletes the opportunity to compete in their events over the whole weekend with the proviso that it is safe to do so. This may result in later finishes to competition on one or both days than the schedule currently states.

In the unlikely event that the event is postponed, alternative competition dates and venue will be communicated to families, Centres, Regions and Officials at the earliest opportunity.

LAVic acknowledges the inconvenience and uncertainty that the hot weather and changes to the event program may cause many of our families.

Everyone in attendance is encouraged to take all precautions against the heat, including:

  • drinking plenty of water prior to, during and after competition activities;
  • seeking shade (pavilion, shade sails, trees, Centres marquees) and minimising exposure to direct solar radiation for long periods, particularly during the heat of the day;
  • using sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat;
  • lowering the body temperature in front of the misting fans;
  • seeking first aid assistance, if necessary.

In the event of suspension of competition for multiple hours, families might consider the following options to seek refuge from the heat and to keep the kids occupied:

  • Westfield Knox Shopping Centre: 425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South. A large modern shopping centre with many shopping, eating and entertainment options.
  • Knox Leisureworks Aquatics and Recreation Centre: 35 Tormore Road, Boronia. Includes an 80m waterslide.
  • Melbourne Cable Park: 22 minutes from Knox, at 5 Riverend Road, Bangholme.
  • Carrum Beach: 26 minutes from Knox. An easy to access, sandy swimming spot near the mouth of Patterson River, and part of a 9km stretch of sand that goes all the way to Frankston.
  • Local eateries: the Knoxfield, Rowville, Ferntree Gully, Scoresby, Wantirna suburbs have many quality and convenient eating options within minutes of Knox Park Athletics Track.