Mt Eliza sporting clubs to benefit from $400,000 donation

Mt Eliza cricket and football clubs have been stunned by a huge donation from the sister of a beloved member who died last year.

John Lloyd-Williams at Mt Eliza. Picture: Facebook

John Lloyd-Williams had the time of his life at Mt Eliza cricket and football clubs.

For 40 years, the man affectionately known as “Postie” put in a lot — and got a lot out.

He was a life member of both clubs in recognition of his loyalty, commitment and tireless contribution.

Now, seven months after his death, John’s sister Sue has unveiled a sponsorship that will see $400,000 provided for junior development at Mt Eliza over the next 20 years.

The John Lloyd-Williams junior academy will be set up for both the cricket and football clubs and $10,000 per year, for both clubs, will be provided until 2042.

It equates to $400,000 over 20 years.

Sue announced details of the new academies a tribute day for “Postie”, attended by over 100 people, on Sunday.

“There were a few teary eyes in the room, a lot of shocked and happy people,” Mt Eliza Cricket Club captain Tom Baron said.

“It’s just a great thing for our cricket club. A huge thing.

“It will allow us to fast track our coaching and development through the kids now. It’s going to be awesome.”

John Lloyd-Williams (left) with Mt Eliza’s cricket premiership side. Picture: Facebook

John Lloyd-Williams was Mt Eliza’s First XI cricket team manager for 25 years.

Come winter, his attention turned to footy and he had a 38-year involvement with the Redlegs, including 33 seasons as official senior timekeeper.

The Mt Eliza sporting community was deeply saddened when John, 79, died in July, 2021.

Sue said the Mt Eliza sporting clubs were the mainstays of his life and he would have been “chuffed” by the idea of the junior academies in his name.

“I think he’d probably be bursting with pride,” Sue said.

“For over 40 years he was part of the fabric of both the cricket and football-netball clubs.

“I knew they were the mainstays of his life.

“And, really, the people who were part of those clubs were his family, his extended family.

“I knew that.

“What I didn’t realise until he passed away was how deep those relationships were.

“Almost immediately after John passed the Facebook posts were extraordinary.

“There were upwards of 300 posts from people who were connected with both clubs that had such wonderful memories to share and how much he meant to them.

“I was overwhelmed. It was extraordinary.”

John Lloyd-Williams (left) at Mt Eliza cricket party in 1982. Picture: Facebook

Sue said she approached the clubs with an idea to honour John’s memory.

“When I sat down and began to talk I said, ‘look I want to do something that is meaningful and has longevity to it’,” she said.

“I wanted to really give back to these clubs where I know John’s heart was.

“John would be chuffed to think that in some small way his legacy is going to live on and help a very proud and strong club become even stronger in the future.

“It’s my personal pledge to ensure that his legacy lives on.”

Mt Eliza Cricket Club vice president Wes Bourke said Sue’s generosity would benefit local sport.

“For the next 20 years the footy club and cricket club have funding for our academies which is just going to help us push and promote sport in our community,” he said.

“What a great leg up for the clubs.

“The fact was ‘Postie’ was always involved with juniors and he always had time for the kids.”

Baron said everyone adored “Postie”.

“We speak about him every game, still, and to have the academies now means that his legacy won’t die,” he said.

“For the next 20 years everyone will learn who ‘Postie’ was.”