Sport in South Australian Communities

By History Trust of South Australia

History Trust of South Australia

This collection of photos reflect the long love affair many South Australians have with sport, in various forms. Around the state sporting clubs and associations provide not just an outlet for physical activity, but a sense of community and a place to come together, as South Australians have throughout history. Sport is not just for the professionals, a 2013 report found two thirds of South Australians actively participate in some form of sport or recreation. 

Beach Fun, State Government Photographer, 1950, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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South Australian beaches are a popular destination for recreation, including beach volleyball, casual cricket, and other games on the sand.

Beach Fun, State Government Photographer, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Lake Bonney Yacht Club, Barmera by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

In the driest state, on the driest continent, South Australians will make use of any available water for recreation and sport.

Men Sailing, State Government Photographer, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Sailing Race - Henley Beach, State Government Photographer, 1930, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Sailing race, Henley Beach, 1930.

Yacht Race, State Government Photographer, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Swimming Race, River Torrens (1912) by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

The River Torrens was a focus for events, like the swimming race in 1912 pictured above, from the time of British Settlement.

Water Skiing by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

The Henley on Torrens Regatta, first held in December 1910, was a popular annual event in Adelaide. Pictured is water skiing, the regatta also included rowing, music and other entertainment.

Rowing on River Murrary (1949) by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

From local heroes to the world stage

In 1949, the Australian Interstate Rowing Championships, including the King's Cup (Men's Eights), were held at Murray Bridge. New South Wales won the championship from Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Queensland.The Murray Bridge Rowing Club won several Kings Cup races in the 1920s and in 1924 represented Australia in Paris.

Kings Cup Rowers by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

Port Lincoln Bowling Green (1950) by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

Community

Local sporting clubs are often the heart of a town's social life as well. Club buildings serve as place to gather on the weekend and host parties and other gatherings as well as regular sporting meetings. 

Port Lincoln Bowling Green c. 1950s.

The Royal South Australian Bowling Association Incorporated (RSABA) formed in 1901. There are over 200 bowls clubs in South Australia today.

Port Lincoln Croquet Club by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

Port Lincoln Croquet Club c. 1940s

Football Match (1910) by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

Football

In South Australia for many years football meant Australian Rules, though in recent years the round ball has been gaining in popularity. The South Australian Football Association (SAFA) officially formed on 30 April 1877, several years after the first Adelaide Football Club was formed in 1860. There were eight teams in that first year, and as well as playing local competitions they competed against Victorian football teams. A long rivalry with the teams across the boarder continues today. South Australia now has two teams in the Australian Football League (AFL) ten in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and many more local clubs around the state. In 2017 for the first time Women's AFL teams competed nationally to enthusiastic support from fans. These photos from the South Australian Government Photographic Collection document state and local matches in the early to mid twentieth century. 

SANFL Grand Final, State Government Photographer, 1910, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Australian Rules Football by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

A game of football being played at an oval in Whyalla.

Girls Playing Netball (1938) by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

Netball

Netball SA  was founded in 1928 and was originally known as South Australia's Women's Basketball Association(SAWBA). Today around 70,000 women and men play netball in South Australia. 

Girls Playing Netball, State Government Photographer, 1931-10-21/1931-10-21, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Girls Playing Netball (1938) by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

Girls Playing Netball (1950) by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

Cricket at Adelaide Oval by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

Cricket

South Australian's love their cricket, and the Adelaide Oval holds a special place in many hearts. The South Australian Cricket Association was formed in 1871 and club games were arranged from 1874–75. 

Cricket Team, State Government Photographer, 1910, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Boys Playing Cricket (1931-10-21/1931-10-21) by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

Girls and Boys Dancing by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

School sport

Physical activity has been a part of education in South Australia since the nineteenth century. The South Australian Public Schools Amateur Sports Association (SAPSASA) was established in 1912. By 1927 most government schools were members.  The organisation evolved over time, and several high school organisations were established. In 2018  School Sport SA was formed, combining primary and secondary organisations.

Girls' Exercise Drill, State Government Photographer, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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It has been said “Living in Australia is like living in a gymnasium, there’s always somebody practising something!” – Anne Clark, quoted in: Keith Dunstan, Our Sporting Obsession, Melbourne, 1973.

Girls' Exercise Drills, State Government Photographer, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Girls undertaking a PE drill at Unley High school. These types of drills would of been a part of the standard South Australian Curriculum in 1938.

Adelaide High School Boys Exercising, State Government Photographer, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Adelaide High School Boys exercising.

Calisthenics Class Goodwood Boys Technical School, 1945, State Government Photographer, 1945, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Calisthenics Class, Goodwood Boys Technical School, 1945.

Playing Tennis by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

Taking Part

Whether it's professional sport, or just getting out and moving, South Australians have a history of enthusiastically participating, and supporting, sporting activities.  49% of South Australians aged 15 years and over attend a sporting event each year. Sport also plays an important role in country communities. One third of adults in regional communities of South Australia are estimated to participate in exercise, recreation, and sport via a club or association and almost a quarter are involved as a coach, official, umpire or administrator.

Tennis Courts - Whyalla, State Government Photographer, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Cyclists Racing by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia

Crystal Swimming Pool, State Government Photographer, 1945, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Crystal swimming pool, 1945.

Oakbank Horse Races, State Government Photographer, 1933, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Oakbank Horse Races, 1933.

The Oakbank Horse Races are a long running feature on the South Australian calendar, an annual Easter trip for many.

Horse Riding, State Government Photographer, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Polo Match, State Government Photographer, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Motor Race, Barossa Vintage Festival at Nuriootpa, State Government Photographer, 1949, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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As part of the 1949 Barossa Vintage Festival motor car racing and motor cycle events were held on a street circuit at Nuriootpa.

Motor Race, Barossa Vintage Festival, State Government Photographer, 1949, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Woodchopping Competition, State Government Photographer, 1936, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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The woodchopping competitions at the Royal Adelaide Show have a popular spectator sport for many years.

Playing Tennis, State Government Photographer, From the collection of: History Trust of South Australia
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Whether playing or spectating, South Australians love getting out and enjoying their sport in all its forms.

Credits: Story

All photographs featured here are from the South Australian Government Photographic Collection. These photographs are released as Public Domain.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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