THE Neerim South Skate Park Precinct will be renamed in memory of Craig Watts.
Baw Baw Shire councillors voted unanimously last week to rename the skate park as the “Craig Watts Memorial YAPP Skate Park”.
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Councillor Mel Neil, who moved the motion to rename the skate park, said there was a strong push from the Neerim South community to do something in Mr Watts’ honour.
“I’m actually quite honoured and humbled to be moving this,” Cr Neil said.
“After consultation, many members of the community wished to do something in his honour.
“I have… had consultation with his family [and] interestingly the boys insisted the YAPP part remain, because that’s what it was really about: the Youth and Police Partnership.”
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Mr Watts was heavily involved in the partnership as a police officer and helped local youth organise the construction of the skate park.
Ms Neil said the community has expressed interest in running an event on the day the new name is unveiled, and the Bendigo Bank will cover all costs involved in renaming the skate park.
The new name received unanimous support among members of the council’s place names committee.
Ms Neil said a tribute to Mr Watts was important as he had “been a [very well known] part of our community across the Baw Baw Shire, not just in Neerim South.”
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Thanks for getting behind this Mel, it is a fantastic tribute to Craig and his committment to our community.
Judy Gleeson, President Neerim District Lions Club.
Very fitting, to have a great place to gather & remember a lovely gentle man & all he did for others.