Brothers Junior Rugby League Club and former Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres are calling for community support as they move to rename Parker Street Reserve.
They are campaigning to rename the reserve after Chris Hobbs; a lifetime member of the club and former teacher at St Dominic’s College who passed away five years ago.
Ayres explained that Hobbs was a well-known community figure who touched the lives of many.
“He had a profound impact on lots of people and it’s one of those intergenerational things because of the school… and post his teaching life his engagement with the footy club and all those things,” Ayres said.
“I just think it is a great suggestion from the club.
“It is a bit of a non-named space… so you are not having to take anything away from someone else to do it, so it seems like a no-brainer.”
Hobbs taught maths at St Dominic’s College and was also a year supervisor, and it was in these roles he is described as having a profound impact on many people.
“There is so many stories of how Chris has helped people, and I don’t even want to contemplate how many people wouldn’t actually be here if it wasn’t for him,” Ayres said.
“People we don’t even know about that his personal engagement with literally saved their life.”
Current President of Brothers Troy Cooper shared Chris was a strong pillar of the club community.
“Chris Hobbs was inspirational to this club and had been here for a long time,” Cooper said.
For anyone wanting to show their support for the renaming they are encouraged to visit Brothers Facebook page where a petition and eventually a GoFundMe will be available for people to show their support.
“For people who remember Chris and might have had a real positive experience with him along the way it will be a good opportunity for them to make a contribution and recognise his life,” Ayres said.
Brothers aim to take the petition to Penrith City Council soon to formally begin the process of requesting a name change.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.