Decision details

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by the Chair (the Lord Mayor) –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         significant City of Sydney community elder Uncle Terry Denzil was born in 1946 and sadly passed away in 2023;

(ii)        as a Life Member of the City of Sydney Basketball Association (CSBA), he was discovered by the CSBA at just 12 years old at the local Pitt Street YMCA and when Alexandria Basketball Stadium was open to the public in 1968, Terry played in the Men’s competition with the YMCA;

(iii)       Uncle Terry led his team to multiple State Basketball Championships and was selected to represent NSW at multiple National Basketball Championships;

(iv)       from early on, Uncle Terry was one of the original advocates for the creation of Alexandria Park Community School (APCS), leading the charge as spokesperson, and petitioning relentlessly to the NSW Government to create APCS;

(v)        Uncle Terry was a member of the steering committee for the building of the new School, and his unwavering passion and dedication to improving APCS over the last two decades resulted in the newly built basketball gymnasium being named “The Denzil” in honour of Terry’s passion for basketball and education within the local area;

(vi)       Uncle Terry influenced APCS culture through educational and sporting programs, delivering a positive experience for all past, present and future students;

(vii)      the basketball players of APCS will remember him most fondly for his afternoon coaching sessions, developing their skills on the court and building lifelong values of teamwork and determination to succeed in all areas of life;

(viii)    the school community will remember his wise words, ‘straight-talking’ advice and sense of humour; and

(ix)       Uncle Terry has made an immeasurable impact on the community and students of APCS that will be carried on through his programs and coaching;

(B)       the Lord Mayor be requested to write to Uncle Terry Denzil’s family expressing the City’s condolences; and

(C)       all present observe a minute silence to commemorate the life of Uncle Terry and his tireless contributions to the community.

Carried unanimously.

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