Rowan Robinson Park Named

The new central foreshore park in Kingscliff has been named in honour of a former local Surf Life Saver who lost his life serving in Afghanistan.

The park has been named Rowan Robinson Park in tribute to the popular Kingscliff High School graduate and Cudgen Surf Life Saving Club patrol member.

Tweed Shire Council Manager Recreation Services Stewart Brawley said naming the park for Mr Robinson was a fitting culmination to the $22 million foreshore project.

“This project is all about protecting and preserving what is good about the Kingscliff community while at the same time creating a space that will help define its future,” Mr Brawley said.

“In that spirit naming the park for a vibrant young local man whose life ended too soon in defence of our way of life is more than appropriate.”

Sapper Robinson was killed by insurgents on his second tour of Afghanistan on June 6 2011 and according to his wishes his ashes were scattered out near the Kingscliff bombies where he loved to surf.

Away from the beach Rowan was a talented singer and guitarist as well as a gifted athlete across a variety of sports, attending regional competitions for swimming, cross country, basketball and athletics.

A particular highlight of his sporting career came in the Grand Final of the NSW State Rugby Knockout Championship where he scored three tries to lead Kingscliff High School to victory.

The idea to name the park in his honour was put forward by a number of people in the community after calls went out from Council in November for suggestions for the new park’s name.

Another popular suggestion, Dreamtime Park, was rejected by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee as it was not a traditional name, however a commitment has also been made to acknowledge the local Goodjinburra Clan in some way.

In their supporting letter the Returned and Services League - Kingscliff Sub Branch, who have been requested to prepare a plaque for installation in the park, said there could not be a more worthy choice.

“The proposal is not about honouring war, it is about honouring the life of a young local lad who lost his life after serving his country and his connection to Kingscliff.”

Mr Brawley said Council is getting closer to naming an opening date for the park as final safety checks and approvals are sought to connect power to lighting and barbecues on the site.

The new Kingscliff holiday park started taking bookings this week and will welcome guests starting March 22.