Walk of Honour plaque unveiled for icon of local athletics

Published: 04 Jun 2021 10:47am

A permanent reminder of the dedication and contribution to the athletics community of Wagga Wagga man Bill Jacob has been unveiled in the city’s main street.

Mr Jacob, who passed away in August last year, was posthumously awarded the Walk of Honour as part of Council’s 2021 Australia Day Awards ceremony in January.

On Friday 28 May, his family and friends gathered on the western side of Baylis Street near the Bangayarra Walkway for the unveiling of his Walk of Honour plaque.

Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said the Baylis Street Walk of Honour was instigated in 1998 to recognise residents for their substantial contributions to the city.

“Today we mark the city’s 37th Walk of Honour inductee with a person who was both a great Australian citizen and a great resident of our city – the late Mr Bill Jacob,” Cr Conkey said.

“I would like to acknowledge Bill’s family here with us today along with other visitors and friends who have also joined us at this special event.

“This recognises Bill’s contribution and his long involvement with the development of young athletes in Wagga Wagga.

“He has left a remarkable legacy to the local athletics community.”

Mr Jacob, who came to Wagga Wagga in 1975 with the RAAF, became an active volunteer with Little Athletics in the 1970s, coaching, mentoring and inspiring those interested in athletics.

He was a founding member of the Kooringal-Wagga Athletics Club in the 1980s and became a driving force behind the development of the Jubilee Park Athletics facility, which is now known as the Bill Jacob Athletics Centre.

His passion did not stop at club level but included all athletic clubs and schools.