1987 Where It All Began !
Artistic Gymnastics was first introduced at MBC in 1987 under the guidance of Debbie Prince, Physical Education & Sport Co-ordinator. Her foresight instigated the development of the gymnastics program at the college. Robyn Mason was the first coach of a group that trained in the Oriel Handley Hall and involved both boys and girls. Nicki Ives joined the program as the numbers grew, and together they further developed the sport.

1988 QGSSSA (Secondary) Artistic Competitions
1988 was the first year the secondary students, co-ordinated by Debbie Prince, competed in the Queensland Girls Secondary Schools Sport Association (QGSSSA) Artistic Gymnastics competition.

1990 First Premiership, also Rhythmic Introduced
Interest and enthusiasm in sport continued to escalate with Elizabeth (Liz) Lyons employed in 1990 to co-ordinate the program. This year saw the first premiership for the College (C Grade) and saw the introduction of Rhythmic Gymnastics with Moreton Bay College able to enter a hoop team of 6 gymnasts.

1992 "A Grade" QGSSSA Artistic Premiers
In 1992 the first A Grade premiership in Artistic Gymnastics was won. This started MBC's dominance of A Grade with 11 premierships being won to date (2003).

1993 Aerobics Introduced
Competitive Aerobics was introduced in 1993 by Liz Lyons & Nicole Arthur, aimed at giving girls another competitive avenue. The girls rose to the challenge and the school has been involved in Aerobics ever since.

1995 Waller Centre Opens, Club Formed
Up until 1995 the Artistic, Rhythmic and Aerobics teams trained in the Oriel Handley Hall vying for space and time with Drama, Music and other indoor sports. How fortunate we were in 1995 when the Ken & Janet Waller Sports Centre was opened featuring a permanent gymnastics area and an Aerobics room. This also gave birth to the Gymnastics Club, Artistic firstly with Robyn Mason and later this year Rhythmic with Nicole Oliver as Head Coach. The headmaster, Mr. Ken Waller, was very supportive of gymnastics and was happy to see the development of the club. The club created great interest with many budding Moreton Bay College students taking up the opportunity.

1996 New Sprung Floor
At the beginning of 1996 the college was able to buy a sprung gymnastics floor to compliment the range of high quality equipment we already had. All the gymnastics disciplines, Artistic, Rhythmic & Aerobics, continued to grow at the interschool and club level. Many accolades were won at both the State and National level and MBC had established itself as a force to be reckoned with.

1997 Interhouse Competitions
Interhouse Artistic Gymnastics was introduced in 1997 and held as a secondary event. It went on to include both primary & secondary students and now is held annually as a primary event.

1999 Andrews Cup (Primary) Competitions
Andrews Cup Artistic Gymnastics was introduced in 1999, being first held as a social and individual competition. The following year it developed into a team event with competition in A, B & C Grades.

2001 Aerobics Levels Commences
The Levels program in Aerobics was introduced in 2001 and provided an opportunity for a greater number of students to be involved. This immediately increased the number of students selected in the State team each year.

2001 Head of Gymnastics Appointed
With the ever expansion of gymnastics in the college it was decided to employ a Head of Gymnastics in 2001. This position involved taking over the responsibility of the sport which was under the leadership of Liz Lyons, Head of Secondary Physical Education, until this time. Nicola Oliver and Kirsten Cole held the positions of Head Coaches and Anne Wilson, a secondary science teacher, oversaw the rhythmic program. Peter Dowdell was employed as the Head of Gymnastics, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. Overseeing the total program he incorporated the role of Head Artistic Coach with Jana Haaja becoming the Head Rhythmic Coach. Peter has taken the sport forward: attracting many new gymnasts, building the levels program, introducing an elite program in 2001, building a gymnastics pit and "giving birth" to the Moreton Bay College Centre of Excellence in Gymnastics.

As we move forward there are many accomplishments to be proud of and we look to a bright future.

By Elizabeth Lyons