A football legend who helped shape the growth of Aussie Rules in Townsville will soon be immortalised at the code’s local home, with councillors today voting to name the Riverway Stadium scoreboard in honour of the late John Durkin.
The move, supported by Mr Durkin’s family, the Thuringowa Bulldogs, AFL Townsville, AFL Queensland and local community leaders in the code, garnered unanimous support in the Council chambers today.
Mayor Nick Dametto said Mr Durkin was a pivotal figure whose contributions to football spanned more than three decades.
“Townsville has a very well-developed love of AFL that didn’t just happen all on its own – much of the sport’s local growth, going back to the 1990s, can be notched up to the efforts of people like John,” Cr Dametto said.
“In Townsville, he was an exemplary player, coach, administrator and community leader who dedicated himself to making sure the local AFL competition was successful and sustainable, including through various difficult periods.
“Thank you, John, for being a fierce and effective advocate for the game you loved so much and the city you called home – we are very thankful.”
Deputy Mayor Suzy Batkovic said Mr Durkin was integral in securing the former Tony Ireland Stadium, now known as Riverway Stadium, in a bid to bring elite AFL games to the region.
“One of John’s biggest achievements for the city was helping to deliver the new Tony Ireland Stadium at Thuringowa, as it was then known,” Cr Batkovic said.
“This stadium has brought so much opportunity to North Queensland, and pioneers like John worked very hard behind the scenes to make it happen.
“It is very fitting that he will be remembered at the very stadium he helped to deliver with this gesture.”
A dual-premiership player with West Townsville, Mr Durkin played 178 games in the TAFL.
He represented Townsville in the strong NQ championships of the 1970s and ’80s and also coached the local team.
Later he served as an administrator for Townsville AFL for more than 30 years, including as patron and president.
He became a Townsville Life Member and was inducted into the Queensland Australian Rules Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
