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.
South Australian beaches are a popular destination for recreation, including beach volleyball, casual cricket, and other games on the sand.
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.
Sailing race, Henley Beach, 1930.
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.
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.
Australian Rules Football by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia
A game of football being played at an oval in Whyalla.
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 (1938) by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia
Girls Playing Netball (1950) 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.
Boys Playing Cricket (1931-10-21/1931-10-21) 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.
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 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.
Calisthenics Class, Goodwood Boys Technical School, 1945.
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.
Cyclists Racing by State Government PhotographerHistory Trust of South Australia
Crystal swimming pool, 1945.
Oakbank Horse Races, 1933.
The Oakbank Horse Races are a long running feature on the South Australian calendar, an annual Easter trip for many.
As part of the 1949 Barossa Vintage Festival motor car racing and motor cycle events were held on a street circuit at Nuriootpa.
The woodchopping competitions at the Royal Adelaide Show have a popular spectator sport for many years.
Whether playing or spectating, South Australians love getting out and enjoying their sport in all its forms.
All photographs featured here are from the South Australian Government Photographic Collection. These photographs are released as Public Domain.
