In recognition of Tony Kelly's long and illustrious contribution to the City of Dubbo and the Dubbo community at large, we respectfully petition Dubbo City Council that Victoria Park Number One oval be named Tony Kelly Oval. 

Tony Kelly, or 'TC' as he was known had an unwavering vision for Dubbo and during his 35 years of service his leadership, as well as the relationships he fostered, always ensured that the community came first. This is well documented within the council records.

What is not well documented is his love of sports and how he believed this would unify a community. TC was an avid football and cricket player but he was a devoted sports watcher. At TC's funeral his eldest son spoke of the day his Dad watched him play football on a dusty, run down oval and this is what drove him to change the grounds in Dubbo. He made it his mission to have great fields, wonderful ovals and a place that the community could come together to play sport. As anyone who has played sport in Dubbo could tell you the facilities are first class. TC enjoyed watching his own children play on the grounds but he was thrilled to see Dubbo host sporting competitions from around the state. This was something he listed as one of his proudest achievements for the community.

He  deserves to have the Number One Oval named after him. The council have previously voted unanimously to do this but now seem to have changed their mind and want to name just the pavilion after him.  

We respectfully submit this petition as evidence supporting the naming of the Number One oval after the man who gave so much to a local community as well as giving so much to all sports within Dubbo and the region.