ALBURY Council staff have rejected a push to have the Alexandra Park athletics complex named in honour of the late Les O’Brien.
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Instead, a recommendation to be debated at the council’s community and cultural committee on Monday night states a terraced seating area and shade structure at the venue be named the “Les O’Brien Stand” when built in coming years would be a suitable tribute.
Albury United Soccer Club made a formal request to council have the athletics complex named after Mr O’Brien following his death last year.
Mr O’Brien was a trainer for the club for 15 years with another suggestion being a memorial plaque erected at Jelbart Park which is the home ground of Albury United.
Council’s leisure facilities team leader Michael Stanton said Mr O’Brien had been a strong advocate for the terraced seating area in his role on the athletics complex advisory committee.
“Les has been one of a number of contributors to the facility, he and several other local coaches have assisted in the development of local athletes,” Mr Stanton said in his report.
“Naming the (athletics complex) after any individual would be a significant decision for a well-used regional facility.
“(But) it would not need approval by the Geographical Names Board.
“Les O'Brien's family has been consulted in recent months in regards to the potential recognition of Les and a recent meeting confirmed acceptance of the terraced seating and associated shade along the western bank of the facility being named the Les O'Brien Stand.”
The council has allocated $340,000 towards the seating and a funding application to the NSW Government for the project is also being prepared.
Albury United president Marty Chambers said the club would abide by the wishes of the O’Brien family.
“People in Albury-Wodonga who put so much into sporting and community groups should be appropriately recognised,” he said.
O’Brien also had long associations with the Ovens and Murray Football-Netball League and North Albury and St Patrick’s clubs.
