Image Caption: (L – R): Deputy Mayor of The Hills Shire Clr Mitchell Blue, Mrs Donna Fraser and Mayor of The Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi at Holland Road Reserve.
The Hills Shire Council is proposing to name a playing field at Holland Road Reserve in Glenhaven after the late Glenhaven FC inaugural president Bruce Fraser.
The proposal is now on exhibition for public comment on Council’s website until Sunday, 31 December 2023.
Mayor of the Hills Shire Dr Peter Gangemi said that Mr Fraser made an outstanding impact on the Hills community.
“Every time someone walks onto Holland Road Reserve to play sport, they are able to do so because of Bruce Fraser’s efforts,” Mayor Gangemi said.
“Mr Fraser first contacted Council about developing Holland Road Reserve into the home of Glenhaven Football Club in 1988 when the site was an abandoned cricket pitch that was used as an old road shale stockpile site.
“Naming the field after Mr Fraser is justified recognition for his extraordinary efforts for our community.”
Deputy Mayor of The Hills Shire Clr Mitchell Blue reflected on the significant contributions Mr Fraser made to the Hills Shire community.
“Bruce Fraser was the founding father and inaugural President of Glenhaven Football Club and the driving force behind the construction of the football field at Holland Road Reserve,” Deputy Mayor Blue said.
“Mr Fraser played a vital role in the development of the playing field at Holland Road Reserve and it is only fitting to name this field after him.
“Mr Fraser was one of the local custodians of Holland Road Reserve. Having given many years of time during the construction and his overall contribution to football, I cannot think of a better way to honour Bruce’s legacy.”
Mrs Donna Fraser paid tribute to her husband’s efforts.
“Bruce had a love of all sports, particularly soccer and he had a passion to ‘pay it forward’ for the Glenhaven community in return for the sporting opportunities he himself was afforded growing up,” Mrs Fraser said.
“There were many in the community who were willing to offer their time and expertise to assist him achieve his goal and with their help and with Council overseeing the project, Holland Reserve’s playing field with lights was created.
“Bruce would have been so honoured to receive this recognition – I know his family and his many friends within the community are pleased for him!”
After forming a committee to oversee the formation of Holland Reserve, Mr Fraser organised a series of fundraising events to contribute to half of the construction costs of the field.
Mr Fraser also arranged a working bee of local plumbers and electricians to assist with the development of the field for free, and for his workplace, Coates Hire, to donate several pieces of equipment for use during the project.
The field and its associated infrastructure were completed in 1994. Mr Fraser was the coordinator and foreman during the entire six years of the project.
To view the field naming proposal and to make a submission, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘Holland Road Reserve.’
