Shortland’s Tuxford Oval Number One has been renamed in honour and remembrance of community stalwart Bob Palmer.
Bob Palmer was killed on December 12 last year in his beloved suburb of Shortland, which led to an outpouring of grief from the community.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the renaming of the oval, Bob Palmer Oval, was in response to requests from the community who wanted to honour Palmer’s lifelong commitment to the Shortland Devils Rugby League Football Club.
Daughter Mollie Palmer said the renaming was a special gesture that the whole family proudly welcomed.
“He is sadly missed by all who were fortunate to have him as a part of their lives,” Mollie said.
“Our family has great pride in the legacy he has left at the football club and in the Shortland community.”
A special ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 26 at 2.45pm, when the Shortland Devils RLFC, family, friends and the wider community will come together to dedicate the ground.
Club president Brock Johnson said Palmer had dedicated “countless hours” to his beloved club, dating back to when he first started playing junior football in the 1970s.
“Bobby Palmer was an extremely special member of our club and the greater Shortland community,” Johnson said.
“Bobby was and shall remain one of the true legends of Shortland.
“Bobby was passionate about our club and donated countless hours to his beloved Devils, marking lines, mowing the fields, cooking barbecues, running water, coaching and timekeeping.
“Bob was a stalwart of the club and has made such an immense contribution to not only rugby league but the wider community. We are proud to keep his memory alive through this tribute.”
Information source: Media release, Jun 25, City of Newcastle