LOCAL LEGENDS HONOURED WITH COMMEMORATIVE STAND NAMING 

A proposal to commemoratively name tiered seating stands at John O’Dwyer Oval in Albion Park after life members of Albion Park Little Athletics Club (APLAC), Ian Hatfield and Richard (Rick) Watkins has been endorsed by Shellharbour City Council. 

On public exhibition until Sunday 26 October, the proposal put forward by the APLAC recognises the pair’s decades of service and lasting impact on the local athletics community. 

If adopted, the stands within the Croom Regional Sporting Complex will be named the Ian Hatfield Stand and the Richard (Rick) Watkins Stand, honouring the pair of APLAC founding members at the Oval where the club began in 1985. 

Caption: Tiered seating stands at John O‘Dwyer Oval are to be named in honour of Ian Hatfield and Richard (Rick) Watkins. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.

Ian Hatfield was the founding President of APLAC and remains an active life member, dedicating more than 40 years to coaching and mentoring athletes from grassroots to international levels. His accolades include the Australian Sports Medal, Athletics NSW Coach of the Year (2008 & 2009) and a Community Service Award from Shellharbour Council. 

Richard (Rick) Watkins, also a founding and life member of APLAC, spent more than 30 years running athletics programs and coaching at John O'Dwyer Oval. He’s worked extensively with local schools to promote youth participation in sport and is a proud veteran of the Royal Australian Navy. 
 
“Ian and Rick have shaped generations of athletes and inspired our community through their passion, dedication, and service.” Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said. 

“Naming these stands in their honour is a fitting tribute to two local legends who have given so much to Shellharbour.” 

For more information or to make a submission on the naming proposal public exhibition go to: letschatshellharbour.com/proposed-name-seating-john-odwyer-oval 

KEY MESSAGES: 

• Shellharbour City Council is honouring Albion Park Little Athletics Club life members Ian Hatfield and Richard (Rick) Watkins by proposing to name tiered seating stands at John O’Dwyer Oval in their recognition. 
• The commemorative naming proposal is on public exhibition until Sunday 26 October, with the community invited to share their feedback.