The Darebin City Council, in conjunction with the Northcote Cricket Club and Victorian Cricket Association, have great pleasure in announcing the renaming of Northcote Park to the Bill Lawry Oval.

A launch to celebrate the renaming of the ground, will be held TOMORROW at NORTHCOTE PARK, WESTGARTH STREET at 2.45pm.

The City of Darebin's, Cr Vince Fontana said the renaming of the ground was in recognition of the tremendous contribution that Bill has made to the local community as a former resident of Darebin.

"Bill Lawry is greatly admired and respected amongst our many residents who knew him as the local school boy who made a name for himself, playing for the local district club Northcote and then went on to captain the Australian Cricket Team."

"He provides a great role model for the many young members of our community who participate in the 120 sporting clubs within the City of Darebin."

Victorian Cricket Association CEO, Mr. Ken Jacobs said the honour was fitting, given Lawry's contribution to Victorian Cricket, on and off the field.

"His playing record speaks for itself, he is easily one of this State's greatest ever players. Additionally, during Bill's time as an administrator at the VCA, he was instrumental in the development of two vital cricket programs – our Curator's program and also Local Government program."

© 2001 Victorian Cricket Association