Bendigo council deny petition to rename Tom Flood Sport Centre grandstand after Neil Macdonald
A push to name a grandstand after a Bendigo sporting legend who mentored some of the country’s top athletes and helped raise more than $1m for the Prostate Cancer Foundation has flopped.
Plans to name a grandstand after a Bendigo sporting legend have been scuppered – because he hasn’t been dead long enough.
A petition to rename the Tom Flood Sport Centre grandstand after running coach and health advocate Neil Macdonald received more than 850 signatures but Bendigo councillors voted against the proposal because it was “too early”, citing Mr Macdonald’s death on April 21 this year.
Cr Karen Corr, who moved the motion against the proposal, said the process for such a large tribute normally took decades.
“There’s a principle to be followed that naming major public assets happens after time has passed so we can be sure recognition stands across generations,” she said.
“A great example is Barbara Rae – she captained the first women’s cricket match in Australia in 1874 right here in Bendigo.”
“Her contribution was groundbreaking, yet it has taken more than a century for her to be formally recognised with a statue … that’s what standing the test of time means.”
Fellow councillor Andrea Metcalfe said it was “too early” for Mr Macdonald to be recognised but didn’t rule it out in the future.
“I expect Neil’s legacy will meet that test (of time) but given his passing is recent the proposal does not align with the requirements.”
However, the council report noted the Tom Flood Sports Centre grandstand was named after Frank McCaig in 2010 — an honour which came just a year after the renowned local cyclist’s death.
Among the supporters of the push were Bendigo federal Labor MP Lisa Chesters, the Victorian Athletic League, Bendigo Athletic Club, and Bendigo’s Biggest Ever Bloke Lunch, who all wrote letters of support in favour of the campaign.
A council officer report suggested the petition organiser seek “alternative ways” to honour Mr Macdonald, including naming an annual race or athletics carnival after him or establishing a commemorative award to “reflect his contributions to athletics and community health”.
This was strongly supported by multiple councillors, who made it clear they did not want to diminish Mr Macdonald’s legacy.
Among Mr Macdonald’s long list of contributions are mentoring state and national runners and helping raise more than $1m for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia by organising Bendigo’s Biggest Ever Bloke’s Lunch.
The youngsters impressing in Cricket Victoria’s country cup
