Ross Poulton – a local sporting icon
DUBBO Regional Council and the local Athletics Club have paid the ultimate honour to a gentleman described by the Mayor as “the greatest contributor to the sport anywhere in Regional NSW” when it officially opened as the Ross Poulton Grandstand last Thursday.
“Ross Poulton is a hero of Dubbo, well beyond sport,” Mayor Shields proclaimed.
Fittingly, the track was in use at the time, providing a colourful backdrop for this important occasion. The grassed infield was chocked with Rhinos rugby players going through their paces, and on the back straight youngsters were practising baton changes and jumps.
To the man who has dedicated nearly six decades to introducing, nurturing and the professional (unpaid) training of Dubbo and district athletes, it was a sight that brought tears.
With Jessie, his best friend and wife of 66 years beside him, Ross was humbled by the words of Dubbo Athletics Club President Nathan Peterson who read from the submission to Council which prompted the greatest recognition.
Mayor Shields thanked Ross for his generosity, “mentoring young athletes in a way that has enabled them to achieve great things in all aspects of their lives”.
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Katrina Morrow (Gibbs) had this to say: “My memory is of a man who gave his time generously. I was a classic example, not out of the norm. Ross would leave work early to take me to training and help me conquer my fears and frustrations.”
Ross and Jessie settled in Dubbo in 1963 with their two girls, aged 4 and 2, and before long their family had expanded with the arrival of a son and another daughter.
They immediately set them on a path in life through sport.
Ross acted as timekeeper on hundreds of afternoon, night and weekend sessions and carnivals at Victoria Park No.2 Oval before embarking on a “career” in coaching and administration.
“Ross had a passion for discus and ran a number of major events that expanded the access to this and other field events like hammer over the years. He was our club president for 21 years, from 1972-83 and again from ‘92-2003,” Nathan told the crowd of friends, former athletes and budding youngsters who gathered in the comfort of the modern spectator facility.
“He has served as a Delegate at regional, zone and state levels, and been a coach and mentor to those of us trying to administer this modern world class complex,” he added.
In his 55 years of dedicated service, Ross lists the inaugural New Year’s Carnival (1977) and its revival, with the 40th anniversary last year, as amongst his most treasured legacies.
Nathan pointed out that he was innovative and inclusive in his approach, breaking down barriers to allow female participation in events such as half-marathon and 5 and 10k walks which have become a staple of the New Year’s Carnival.
“Under Ross’s administration and with the energy and enthusiasm of Secretary Jack Mackie and a hard-working committee, the Carnivals ran to scheduled times so that competitors and parents knew exactly when they were required.
“Males and females are treated equally. We have seen the introduction of 110m scratch races as well as the handicap events like the Dubbo Gift, steeplechase and numerous Masters.
“We now formally recognise those who have offered outstanding service with the unveiling of our Life Members Board, appropriately on the night our greatest servant has the stand named after him,” Nathan said.