A cold October evening greeted the many family and friends of the late Shayne Richardson and the late Jim Dooley OAM who attended the dedication ceremony.

Ex-Gresford resident Dave Salmon was welcomed home to emcee the occasion.

He spoke of his time at Gresford and his relationship with the families before handing over to the Sporting Complex president Dave Jefferson, who gave a brief history of the complex and the achievements of its committees over the years.

“The dedications were about remembering Shayne and Jim and honouring their achievements and commitment to their community,” Mr Jefferson said.

The dedication was performed by Mayor Glenn Wall who eloquently described the link between the two men.

Shayne, who was an excellent cricketer as well as an all round sportsman, showed what can be achieved in sport when given the opportunity.

He represented the Dungog Shire in the John Bull Colts and Shield sides and he toured Argentina and the UK with the very talented EMU teams.

Shayne’s greatest attribute to the game however was that he gave back.

When he returned to playing senior cricket at Gresford he would give freely of his time to offer advice and mentor the younger players coming through, particularly the under 10s through to the under 14s.

Jim Dooley, whose tireless efforts during his many years as president of the complex, helped to provide the facilities to enable young people to excel at their chosen sport.

Starting with a bare paddock it was Jim and his committee’s dedication and drive that resulted in the ground being what it is today.

In 1991 Jim was awarded the National medal first and second class for diligent long service to the community in hazardous circumstances, including in times of emergency and national disaster, in direct protection of life and property.

During 2001 Jim received the Centenary Medal for outstanding service to the community and in 2004 received the award the Medal, Order of Australia for his Service to the Community through a range of organisations, particularly the agricultural show movement.

The mayor concluded the ceremony by noting that while it was a bittersweet night for the families who have lost their loved ones they will never be forgotten in our hearts and memories.