A GROUNDSWELL of support for Alexandra Park athletics complex to be re-named in honour of the late Les O’Brien has emerged in community consultation carried out by Albury Council.
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Almost 700 responses were received in a “Have Your Say” consultation with 548 votes or 79.19 per cent in favour of the athletics complex being named after Mr O’Brien, who died last year.
A total of 121 responses backed the option of a still to be constructed terraced seating area at the track being named the Les O’Brien Stand.
There were 23 responses to there being no recognition at Alexandra Park.
The results of the consultation will be presented to council’s community and cultural committee on Monday night.
The recommendation, in part, is for the committee to determine the appropriate tribute for Mr O’Brien to be rubber-stamped at the May council meeting a week later.
Creation of a naming policy for reserves and facilities in Albury is also recommended.
Council staff had previously endorsed the naming of the terraced seating area after Mr O’Brien.
Re-naming the athletics complex after Mr O’Brien only requires a council resolution as was the case of re-naming the Albury Sports Stadium after basketball superstar Lauren Jackson.
Mr O’Brien was also heavily involved in Australian Rules football and soccer, but athletics was his primary passion as both competitor and coach and mentor of young athletes for than 50 years.
“The naming of any reserve or facility or recognition in any form of any member of the community is a major decision for any council,” staff member Michael Stanton said.
