The Crookwell Memorial Oval Building has been officially named the Emily Chalker Sports Venue following a unanimous resolution of council.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
At their July 15 ordinary meeting, council resolved to name the building after Hockeyroo Emily Chalker.
Following the council meeting of May 20, council requested expressions of interest for the naming of the building.
It received two detailed submissions, one for Emily Chalker (nee Smith) and her efforts and achievements in Hockey both domestically and abroad, and the other was for the Druett family detailing their long history in the area and the family's considerable achievements.
READ ALSO:
Council General Manager said the naming of the building was a fitting recognition of her many achievements and her continued support of the city.
"A town couldn't ask for a better ambassador than Emily Chalker. On the hockey pitch she has played 249 games and scored 84 goals, and with the 2021 Olympics around the corner... her third Olympics mind you... that's only going to grow," Mrs Worthy said.
"But off the field she has maintained strong links with the community and frequently references her home town with affection. Last Christmas she recorded water safety commercials for Council and she recently helped out the Crookwell Green Devils in their quest for the title of Australia's Best Beanie.
"She is widely regarded as one of the friendliest and most approachable players in the game and brings nothing but credit to her family and community."
Emily began playing hockey at the age of 4, and after years of junior representative hockey made her debut for Australia in 2011 along with long-time friend and fellow Crookwell junior Kellie White at the age of 19.
Emily and Kellie were both honoured with a Crookwell street parade and keys to the city upon their return as gold medallists from the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Emily captained the Hockeyroos from 2017-20 and continues as a member of the team's senior leadership group.
When back in Crookwell, Emily frequently devotes her time to mentoring, motivating and inspiring young local talent and offers her time to visit local schools and aged care facilities.
Mrs Worthy said it was pleasing to receive two strong nominations for the naming of the building thanked the Druett family for not only their submission but for their ongoing commitment to the community.
