Lidcombe Oval grandstand could be named after Tommy Raudonikis
The suburban paddock where NRL legend Tommy Raudonikis flexed his formidable talent will be home to a tribute to the former Western Suburbs Magpies great.
Parramatta
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Before he represented Australia on the world stage, Tommy Raudonikis made his Western Suburbs Magpies debut at Lidcombe Oval and Cumberland Council has plans to name the ground’s grandstand after the player famous for his tenacity.
At a Cumberland Council meeting on Wednesday, Mayor Steve Christou proposed to name the grandstand at the former Western Suburbs Magpies’ homeground the Tommy Raudonikis Grandstand.
Raudonikis, who died aged 70 on April 7 after a long battle with cancer, played for the Magpies from 1969 to 1979 before tearing up the field with the Newtown Jets until 1982.
Lidcombe Oval was the Magpies’ homeground from 1967 to 1986 and he notched up about 100 matches there.
“Raudonikis had a long career spearheading the Western Suburbs Magpies team for over 200 games as well as Newtown Jets for three seasons,’’ Cr Christou said.
“Tommy was part of the Cumberland City Council fabric. His debut season with the Western Suburbs Magpies was at none other than our very own Lidcombe Oval in 1969.
“The oval and the grandstand are listed as locally significant heritage and have a long history with rugby league and the Wests Magpies.
“Given the 50-year history with Wests Magpies and the late Tommy Raudonikis it would only be fitting the grandstand be named the Tommy Raudonikis Grandstand in memory of his playing and coaching contribution to sport at Lidcombe Oval.’’
The suggestion coincided with Wests Magpies chairman Rick Wayde approaching the council, “solidifying’’ the decision to honour the legacy of Raudonikis who claimed the Rothmans Medal in 1972 and the Dally M in 1980.
Mr Wayde said Raudonikis’ “blood was still soaked in the grass” at Lidcombe after playing the bulk of his “excellent’’ career there.
“He’s synonymous with the district,’’ he said.
“His will to win was stronger than most other players.
“There were two years where Wests were undefeated in 1978 and ‘79 and Lidcombe Oval was very depressing for visiting sides.’’
The public will have a chance to express feedback into the proposal until May 21 by visiting cumberlandcouncil.com.au
OTHER COUNCIL NEWS - FAREWELL TO AN iCON
Greystanes Cricket Club stalwart Tom Adams, who died on March 30, has been praised for his dedication the sport.
The 83-year-old lived at Greystanes with his wife Shirley for 53 years where they raised their children Greg and Lynette. In 1982 he joined the club’s committee and two years later was the treasurer — a position he held for 36 years until he retired just last year.
He was also a board member of the Parramatta District Cricket Association for 30 years as a volunteer and was just one of the 23 life members appointed in its 102-year history.
Cumberland councillor Greg Cummings paid tribute to Mr Adams, whose passion saw him be the equipment and uniform co-ordinator and “even coaching a team when no one was available to take them to a premiership”.
He was passionate about parks and served on several committees such as that overseeing the Roberta Street Park in Greystanes.
“His contribution to the community of Greystanes and the Cumberland local government area is not able to be described in these few words but he is an icon in the Greystanes community and he is from that ilk, which unfortunately we sadly miss now, where they volunteer, put in the years of service,’’ Cr Cummings said.
Greystanes Cricket Club treasurer Wayne Earl lauded Mr Adams as an “extremely hardworking, passionate man who poured endless hours over 40 years into Greystanes Cricket Club and Parramatta District Cricket”.
“Without Tom our club does not exist today. He just did it selflessly so others could play the game of cricket.”
GENERAL MANAGER FORCED INTO RETIREMENT
Cumberland Council general manager Hamish McNulty has been forced into “medical retirement” after falling ill.
Mr McNulty served in the position for two years and is “stepping aside due to unforeseen medical reasons’’, leading works and infrastructure manager Peter Fitzgerald to be appointed the acting general manager.
Mayor Steve Christou thanked Mr McNulty for his service.
“I wish Hamish all the best with his health and future career aspirations,’’ he said in a statement.’
“He has demonstrated great innovation and leadership and supported Cumberland City Council throughout the pandemic and managed the many challenges that it brought. I definitely have learned a lot from Hamish and have thoroughly enjoyed working with him.’’
Mr Fitzgerald said: “I’m looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities the role of acting general manager will bring.’’
“The staff at Cumberland City Council have consistently demonstrated their dedication and their resilience and I will continue to work with them to deliver the best for our community.’’
The recruitment of a permanent general manager will begin immediately.
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