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‘Bob Whitford Cycling Track’ officially namedLatrobe City Councillor Tony Zimora officially declared the cycling track in Newborough the ‘Bob Whitford Cycling Track’, at a ceremony on Tuesday. By Latrobe City Council - 12th January 2006 - Back to News The official naming of the cycling track follows a recent reseal and refurbishment.
Cr Zimora said he was honoured to be officially naming the track after such a distinguished cycling identity.
"It is very well known that Bob was absolutely devoted to his chosen sport and worked tirelessly to achieve his goal which was the construction of a cycling facility here in Newborough," Cr Zimora said.
"Bob had the foresight to see the potential for a cycling track in what was at the time just scrub and swamp. He also recognised that to achieve his dream, a lot of money needed to be raised.
Bob Whitford spent years collecting newspapers from everybody, everywhere. He cycled home every night with as many newspapers as he could carry on his bicycle from Yallourn to Newborough, selling the newspapers to the then APM mill, to raise funds.
It was also at Bob’s insistence that the facility was built large enough to accommodate another sporting facility, which in time of course, developed into the Joe Carmody Athletics Track.
Cr Zimora said that but for Bob’s perseverance and initiative, it is doubtful whether the Moe-Newborough Sports Centre, with its fabulous indoor pool, gymnasium and sporting courts would ever have been contemplated in Newborough. "Although the sports centre followed a number of years after the cycling track, but for the establishment of Bob’s first cycling facility it may never have eventuated," Cr Zimora said.
"Bob’s cycling career is legendary, as was his generosity and unselfishness. He rode in Sun Tours and in numerous Melbourne to Warrnambool races, finishing second one year after giving the winner his own drink, as the winner was having trouble finishing through a lack of fluids.
"In consulting with the community over the naming of this cycling track, Latrobe City received numerous endorsements to have it named the ‘Bob Whitford Cycling Track’. Respondents all spoke with a great deal of passion and conviction that Bob deserved to be honoured and remembered by having the cycling track named after him. However, it is my honour and our honour to name this facility after him," Cr Zimora added.
The Bob Whitford Cycling Track was originally constructed in 1968/69. The original gravel track was originally sealed in 1971/72 and was recently resealed and the facility refurbished.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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