By Emily-Rose Toohey
Allora Regional Sports Museum is turning back the clock next weekend for the official Laura Geitz statuette unveiling, with former Mayor Tracy Dobie taking up her old mantle.
Well-known sports legends including former Netballer Laura Geitz herself, Rugby League stars Wayne Bennett and Shane Webcke (who will MC), and other Allora Sports Hall of Fame inductees will be returning to their roots.
The opening was originally set for March 2020 at the Geitz-Bennett Park when Dobie was Mayor, but the Covid-19 pandemic forced an over two-year delay.
As a result, Allora Regional Sports Museum president Perry Cronin said they would be reverting back to the event’s 2020 date and re-enacting the day as it would have happened.
“Tracy Dobie advised we call it off originally in 2020, when the pandemic first started,” Perry said.
“She’s going to present ceremonial shovels to two young girls (the Williams sisters Molly, 8, and Mahailia, 10) who’ll be in charge of digging up the time capsule in 2069 that’s buried under the ground where the statuette is.”
He said that this presentation was meant to be part of the original 2020 event for the town’s 150-year celebrations, 100 years after the time capsule was buried.
“With all respect to Vic Pennisi, who is happy to sit back as this is how it should have been – we’re not standing on toes,” Perry said.
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDCR) Mayor Vic Pennisi said he respected the museum’s decision.
“It’s really simple – I bear no malice in relation to the previous mayor and this decision is not a big deal at all,” Cr Pennisi said.
“I got an invite and I will be going.”
An SDRC spokesperson said they did not have any part in organising the event, which is set to go ahead on Saturday 16 July, 11.30am, at the Geitz-Bennett Park beside the Allora Regional Sports Museum on Herbert Street.
After Geitz unveils her statuette, Perry said there would be a barbeque at the Railway Hotel and for historical purposes, another plaque may be added on the dais to remember the day in 2022.
“Come and enjoy a good afternoon,” he said.
