11-05-2022
Family and friends of Emily Chalker and Bruce Belford along with students from Crookwell High School and well-wishers from the community were on hand for the naming of Crookwell’s Sports Centre and Gymnasium on Tuesday 10 May, 2022.
Surrounded by loved ones, both Emily and Bruce were clearly moved by the honour of the naming and the support shown by those in attendance.
Mayor Pam Kensit praised both of these outstanding athletes for not only their achievements but also for their ongoing involvement in mentoring and assisting others, for always promoting Crookwell and the Upper Lachlan, and for being such positive role models and ambassadors for the Shire.
In his speech, John Broderick highlighted Bruce Belford’s many achievements as well as the role he’d played in the development of the Barbell Club and the significant part Bruce played in the development of plans for the building. Mr Broderick also praised former Council employee Linus Nesbitt-Hawes for not only submitting the successful grant and leading the project, but also for being so accommodating in accepting input for the centre.
Emily Chalker was moved to tears when she recounted the support she had received from the community, including the Civic Reception given to her and team-mate Kellie Miller in 2014, and said she especially appreciated the sacrifice and support provided by her family in assisting her to live out her dreams. Emily said that the town and her roots have stayed in her mind throughout her hockey journey and added that she was proud to see so many local juniors still representing the area.
The building will now be known as the Emily Chalker Sports Centre and the gymnasium within it the Robert Bruce Belford Gymnasium.
The Sports Centre was completed in late 2019 with funding from NSW Government’s Club Grants Program, Upper Lachlan Shire Council and from the Crookwell Barbell Club and various other sports and community groups.
Features of the Sports Centre include a gym, club room, canteen, toilets with disability facilities, change rooms, referee’s room and storage.
The pandemic prevented the opening of the Sports Centre due to travel and gathering restrictions, but with Emily in town and restrictions lifted, the opportunity was taken for the Naming Ceremony.
Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman, was unable to attend due to NSW Parliament sitting this week, but will officially open the venue in the coming weeks.
The centre and the gymnasium were named following Expressions of Interest being sought by Council.
Council would like to thank all who contributed to the day, including the Crookwell Lions Club for operating the BBQ.