The community is being asked to give their feedback on the proposed name change of Kemp Street Sports Complex to Terry Giddy Sports Fields. At the August 2024 Kempsey Shire Council meeting, Council voted to rename the site the Terry Giddy Sports Fields, in tribute to the late local Paralympic athlete, Mr. Terrence Kenneth "Terry" Giddy OAM.
Terry Giddy was a celebrated Paralympian and a beloved hometown hero for Kempsey, whose athletic journey began in 1969 and spanned until 2006, during which he notably placed seventh in shot put at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games as Australia's oldest competitor.
Born on April 2, 1950, Terry's life took a dramatic turn at 15 when a tree-felling accident left him paraplegic, yet he persevered in his passion for sport. He achieved remarkable success, becoming a six-time Paralympic medallist, winning gold at the 1984 New York/Stoke Mandeville Games, and earning multiple medals at the Commonwealth Paraplegic Games and the Paralympics.
Beyond athletics, Terry was a tireless advocate for work safety and mentored future champions through his gym, reshaping perceptions of individuals living with disabilities and showcasing the extraordinary potential within the community.
His legacy includes prestigious awards such as the Advance Australia Award and the Australian Sports Medal, along with cherished memories of friendship shared with those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Should community support be strong, the request will be submitted to the Geographical Names Board for approval before the official renaming. If you would like to have your say on the renaming of the Kemp Street Sports Complex, please submit your feedback to the Your Say Macleay page: ksc.pub/ysm-KempSt.
