Pioneer Oval re-named to honour Jock Colley

At the same time, the multi-sports precinct that also includes Northparkes Oval and Spicer Oval will be renamed Pioneer Park as part of the Master Plan for sports ovals throughout the shire (see story Monday’s Champion Post, June 16).

Jock Colley died suddenly on February 7 this year and almost immediately plans were set in motion to honour his life-time commitment to rugby league both on and off the field.

Mr Colley was president of Country Rugby League (CRL) at the time of his death.

His playing career included stints in Bathurst, Forbes and Parkes as well as coaching in Forbes, Manildra and Eugowra.

One of the largest funerals ever held in Parkes was attended by some of the code’s leading administrators, current and former greats including NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley.

Cr Michael Greenwood said the proposal to rename Pioneer Oval the Jock Colley Field had been developed diligently during the last four months.

“I see it as the right fit to mark and recognise Jock’s contribution to rugby league over several decades,” Cr Greenwood told the last council meeting.

“The re-naming of the ground would effectively recognise his leadership and innovation in securing for Parkes a wide range of major matches over a 25-year period, headed by the World Cup Australia versus France fixture in 1990 which gained for the town rugby league notoriety around the world.”

History shows that Pioneer Oval was gouged from the hillside when the government of the day allocated funds for relief work during the depression years of the 1930’s.

It was named Pioneer Oval in 1945 by Council in honour of the pioneers of the town and district who laid the foundations of the area in the gold mining era.

Consistent upgrading enabled the oval to host a match between France and Western Division in 1955.

Pioneer Oval quickly became the premier spectator arena within regional NSW and over the years hosted international and other major games.

Cr Greenwood said it was important to note that the ground had not been named in honour of any specific person.

He also highlighted the fact that many local identities had been recognised throughout Parkes’ history by having sporting ovals and facilities named in their honour.

“Woodward and Keast parks were named after civic leaders, Cheney after sports council and cricket stalwart Wes Cheney and the Stephen Davies hockey turf within that ground after the three times Olympic hockey medallist,” Cr Greenwood said.

“Equally, there have been cases where renaming has occurred such as the Eugowra Road Reserve to Harrison Park after another sports council stalwart, and Spicer Park from the original name of Peoples Park after long-time Mayor Frank Spicer.”

Cr Greenwood said the commitment and achievements of the late Jock Colley are reflected in his Order of Australia medal in 2011.

“As Pioneer Oval is used almost exclusively for rugby league, the sport that totally immersed Jock over all those years, I believe the renaming of Pioneer Oval to Jock Colley Field is worthy recognition.”

Letters in support of the proposal from the CRL, Parkes Sports Council, Parkes Rugby League and the Marist junior Rugby League Club were tabled at last week’s Council meeting.

Mr Terry Quinn, the Chief Executive Officer of Country Rugby League hailed Jock Colley as ‘a great servant, not only to the CRL but also to local league and other sports in Parkes.’

“Jock is certainly a worthy recipient of such an honour,” Mr Quinn said.

Councillors fully endorsed three recommendations proposed by Cr Greenwood. They included:

* Council proceed with investigations to name Pioneer Oval the Jock Colley Field.

* That Council follow due process and formally write to the family of the late Jock Colley requesting their support for the re-naming.

* That subject to the family’s agreement, the suggested name be publicly advertised.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Alan Ward fully supports the proposal.

“In being respectful of the heritage of the area by naming the precinct Pioneer Park, Council is also providing fitting tribute to the late Jock Colley.”