Lindsay Bunn: A Pioneer in Indigenous and Diverse Athletics in Western Australia
16th July 2024
During his recent visit to Australia, Entier CEO Peter Bruce had the pleasure of meeting Lindsay Bunn, an esteemed athletics coach from Western Australia and the driving force behind the CALD program, which Entier proudly sponsors. Lindsay has devoted his life to fostering the growth of athletics within the Indigenous community and promoting diverse participation across the region. His tireless dedication has transformed countless lives and earned him the prestigious Peter Norman Humanitarian Award in 2020.
The Peter Norman Humanitarian Award, established by Athletics Australia in 2018, honours the legacy of Peter Norman, an iconic athlete and human rights advocate. The recognition with this award highlights Lindsay’s significant contributions to advancing Indigenous athletics and encouraging inclusivity in Western Australian sports.
Lindsay's journey began in the working-class suburb of Balga, Perth, where he initiated a program to provide opportunities for Indigenous and refugee youth to engage in athletics. Using his own resources, he founded the CALD Squad, a program that extends beyond athletic training to offer personal tutoring and comprehensive care for those in need. Lindsay's dedication goes beyond coaching; he provides 24/7 counselling and support, often responding to crises during the early hours. His personal investment covers essential expenses such as food, school fees, books, and dental care.
Over the years, Lindsay has opened his home to seven children, acting as a guardian due to family dysfunction. His collaboration with the Department of Child Protection, the Family Court, and the Police has been instrumental in providing these children with better lives. The impact of the CALD Squad is evident, with members achieving remarkable success: 36 National Championship gold medals, over 80 State Championship gold medals, 17 National Records, and 5 World Junior Records (or World Bests).
The program's influence extends beyond athletics, with 95% of squad members progressing to tertiary education. Sixteen former members have graduated from university, and five current members are pursuing university degrees. This initiative has empowered countless youth to achieve success they never imagined possible.
A testament to Lindsay's dedication is the story from 2014, when he worked night shifts stacking supermarket shelves to fund a trip to the National Championships for himself and athlete Mangar Chuot. They stayed in a friend's flat in Fitzroy, sleeping on the floor, and travelled by tram to the stadium, where Mangar won the 200m National Title.
Lindsay embodies the humanitarian spirit of Peter Norman, going above and beyond to assist those in need without seeking personal gain. His work continues to inspire, as seen in the story of Dakota, an exceptional athlete from the remote Indigenous community of Katanning. Under Lindsay's guidance, the program is striving to secure a school scholarship and boarding for Dakota in Perth. She is a gifted athlete who has broken numerous athletics records at her local school. Dakota aspires to emulate Cathy Freeman, the famous Indigenous athlete who won a gold medal in the 400m sprint at the Sydney Olympics.
Lindsay’s tireless efforts and dedication to the development of indigenous and diverse athletics serve as an inspiration to all. His achievements and humanitarian spirit are a testament to the profound impact one individual can make in the lives of many.
Well done, Lindsay; you are a true inspiration.
