Moved by Councillor Gannon, seconded by
Councillor Kok –
It is resolved that:
(A) Council note:
(i)
John
Alfred “Johnny” Lewis OAM is a local hero of Erskineville;
(ii)
Johnny
is Australia’s most acclaimed boxing trainer. His career spans decades, having
trained accomplished amateur boxers around Sydney to Australian champions,
including the likes of Jeff Fenech, Jeff Harding, Joe Bugner, and Kostya Tszyu;
(iii)
in 2017
he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame;
(iv)
Johnny
grew up in Erskineville and has remained a dedicated resident throughout his
life. He was also a long-time employee of the Sydney County Council;
(v)
his
connection with Erskineville Oval is lifelong. His first job was selling
newspapers at football games, as well as working the scoreboard at the oval;
(vi)
Johnny,
now 80 years old, continues to train local community members daily, positively
impacting their lives with his expertise and kindness;
(vii)
to date
his dedication to the community and his lasting influence has been documented
in numerous books, podcasts, and videos, all attesting to his significant role
in shaping the character and spirit of Erskineville; and
(viii)
Johnny
Lewis is a local legend who is worthy of recognition for which the Erskineville
community agrees; and
(B)
the
Chief Executive Officer be requested to investigate and report back to Council
on whether the Erskineville Oval Stand can be named after local legend Johnny
Lewis.
Carried
unanimously.
X086658