Kindra Park memorial unveiled
By James Matthey
Over 200 people braved Wagga’s inclement weather to attend an emotional ceremony that forever immortalized Coolamon football and netball players who lost their lives at far too young an age.
Members of the Piltz and Furner families had the honour of cutting the ribbon to unveil the playground, recognizing the tireless work of both families in organizing the memorial’s fruition.
The late Damien Piltz was a highly regarded member of the Coolamon Football Club, while Kate Furner represented the Coolamon Netball Club before dying tragically from leukemia in 2011.
During the ceremony, families of the deceased laid roses at the base of the entrance, while a short prayer was also read.
In a sign of how much the memorial means to the Coolamon community, family members of Garry Kew, who passed away in a car accident over 50 years ago, were among those who laid roses to commemorate the loss of their loved ones.
In a moving service, many of Damien Piltz’s former second grade teammates gathered to pay their respects after coming from the field.
The following engraving adorns a plaque on the memorial, serving as a constant reminder of those who have lost their lives.
Forever Young
“This playground is dedicated to the memory of all young sports people at Kindra Park who have tragically lost their lives, may they live on in our memories playing their games that they loved with their families and friends at Forever Young.”
The day was made even more special with the reunions of the 1973 and 1983 First Grade premiership winning sides, as well as the 1983 and 2003 Reserve Grade champions.
In attendance were both First Grade premiership coaches, Jim Hayes (1973) and Russell Campbell (1983), while Reserve Grade coaches Robbie Garrett (1983) and Brad Mattingly (2003) also returned to Kindra Park for the event.
Hayes told The Daily Advertiser that he still had fond memories of the 1973 Grand Final.
“I remember it pretty well,” said Hayes.
“The grand final was a close, tight game.
“We had a very young side, a small side but we were very fast.
“We still laugh and wonder how we won that game.”
