To recognise the contribution made by former General Manager Tony Kelly, Council has resolved to name a prominent Dubbo facility in his memory. Council determined at the June 2022 Ordinary Meeting to name the new Victoria Number One Oval Pavilion the 'Tony Kelly Pavilion' subject to a public exhibition period.
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, Mathew Dickerson said he feels this is a fitting tribute to an avid community volunteer and devoted employee of Council and active. "We can look around many parts of Dubbo and see one of Mr Kelly's legacies, we are very fortunate to have had such a dedicated leader for so many years. His contribution to the city can now be celebrated and honoured by naming the new Victoria Oval Pavilion the Tony Kelly Pavilion in his honour.
"This naming of the Tony Kelly Pavilion is subject to community feedback, and we know the community have been quite vocal about naming conventions, so I encourage residents to make a submission for Council to consider," said Mr Dickerson.
Mr Kelly was employed by Dubbo City Council from 26 June 1968 until his retirement in November 2004, some 36 years of service, including 30 years as Town Clerk/General Manager. During his tenure Mr Kelly significantly contributed to the development of Dubbo with some of his lasting legacies including:
- The Serisier Bridge and its location on Erskine Street,
- The Macquarie River sporting facilities encompassing the Lady Cutler Ovals, Hans Claven Fields, the Nita McGrath Netball Courts, John McGrath Fields, Bob Dowling Ovals and Katrina Gibbs Fields, and
- The development and enhancement of the cycle way out to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, around the West Dubbo river bank linking to Tamworth Street.
Mr Tony Kelly died on Thursday, 26 November 2020 at 77 years of age.
The proposal to name the Victoria Oval Clubhouse the Tony Kelly Pavilion, will be on public exhibition until 5pm, Sunday, 7 August 2022. Written or electronic submissions are invited during the public exhibition period.
To make a submission, head to the public exhibition webpage; Public Exhibition of Tony Kelly Pavilion
Notation.
Following the passing of Mr Kelly, a Mayoral Minute was tabled at the December 2020 Ordinary Meeting of Council. Previous Resolutions of Council on 7 December 2020, note that council resolved to take all necessary steps to name Victoria Park No. One Oval, "Tony Kelly Oval" to acknowledge Mr Kelly's long-standing contributions to the Dubbo Region. Following community feedback, the Geographic Naming Board denied the renaming of Victoria Park's No.1 Oval, to the Tony Kelly Oval.
