In 1976, two local gym clubs, Warradale Youth Club and the Pioneer Youth Group amalgamated to become Koorana Gymnastics Club. Representatives of the newly founded committee lobbied the local, state and federal government to fund the building of a multi-use sports facility (Marion Community Recreation Centre) which would also house the Koorana Gymnastics Club, opening in 1978. It soon became apparent that for Koorana to keep growing and delivering high quality gymnastics programs, we needed more hours and better facilities than were available, so a specific purpose built gymnastic venue was proposed – we took out a huge loan, built our current venue and moved in 1991. No more setting up and pulling down equipment meant more time to train, better equipment, a large foam pit and increased availability for classes.

Key Contributors

The whole process was achieved because of the hard work and passion, not only of a small core of people, but by dozens and dozens of volunteers over many years. Since then with ongoing dedicated volunteers and now some paid staff, we have been able to offer families an affordable activity for their children, thus embracing the philosophy of the club. The name Koorana comes from an Aboriginal word meaning “a gathering of the youth; bring forth the youth”. Long may it continue.

A special mention goes to a few very special people, without which our club and our programs would not have had the success we have enjoyed. Unfortunately, these people are no longer with us, but their legacy and impact is seen daily in the way we approach our gymnastics training, our culture and the fact that many of our gymnasts are still involved in the club as coaches and board members.

Barry Barnes

Barry Barnes served as president of Koorana for more than 20 years, being with the club since its inception and he touched the lives of so many athletes, coaches and administrators
With over 40 years of service as a coach, president, mentor and friend to all, Barry lived his passion for helping young athletes achieve on the competition floor as well as being equally driven to see recreational athletes given the opportunity to be a part of our club. He succeeded with the support of his wife Margaret, who also spent many hours coaching recreational classes and helped with all the admin required to run such a big club.

Pat and Alan Saunder

Pat and Alan Saunders began coaching WAG at Koorana in the mid 1980’s and were instrumental in the club becoming one of the most successful clubs in Australia. Their extensive list of achievements includes being Koorana Head Coaches when the club won National Clubs in 1993 and 1994 and training multiple state and national champions at all levels. Their tireless dedication as volunteers would see them spending at least 6 days a week in the gym, as well as running fundraising campaigns and being someone the gymnasts could always rely on. Pat was also well known in the Gymnastics judging circles, and was often seen behind the table and state and national competitions. She was also instrumental in structuring and choreographing floor and beam routines. Both Pat and Alan are life members of Koorana Gymnstics club and Gymnastics SA and while they are no longer with us, their impact on our gymnastics community will always be treasured by those who were fortunate to have crossed paths.

Bruce Edwards

Bruce Edwards was one of the greatest contributors to Koorana Gymnastics Club and indeed gymnastics in general during his time at the club.

As both a coach, mentor and volunteer across his decades of involvement in the club, Bruce oversaw the development of countless boys and men in our Men’s Artistic Gymnastics program.

Bruce was a father like figure to the boys in our program and the club had many years of competitive success during the time he was at the club. He was responsible for the development of the many State Team representatives and was the lead coach of the 5 member team that won 5 straight Australian Gymnastics Championships Team Gold Medals in Level 10.

Arguably, perhaps even more importantly, Bruce was passionate about using gymnastics as a way of connecting young men and boys and made Koorana accessible to gymnasts from all across South Australia.

In recognition of his services, Gymnastics SA created the annual Bruce Edwards Award which recognises the best MAG club in SA each year based on having as many participants as possible as well as achieving outstanding competition results.

Koorana Gymnastics Club is indebted to Bruce’s services and his philosophy lives on in our MAG program today.