Hawkesbury City Council recently celebrated the official naming of The Breakaway Reserve and the cricket ovals at Freemans Reach, which are now known as Charlie Greentree Oval and George Greentree Oval.
The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Sarah McMahon and Freemans Reach Cricket Club members celebrated at a local event on Saturday, 16 September, which included a Welcome to Country by Rhiannon Wright and free refreshments. George Greentree and his family were special guests on the day.
Council named the ovals to honour Charlie and George and to also acknowledge the Hawkesbury’s outstanding cricket heritage.
“It is a fitting tribute to name these ovals Charlie Greentree Oval and George Greentree Oval because it acknowledges the significant contribution made to the Hawkesbury, and the sport of cricket, by Charlie, George and their families,” Mayor McMahon said.
“This reserve has been informally known as The Breakaway for many years.
“I’m delighted to announce that the name The Breakaway and the ovals are now official.”
New signs have been installed at the reserve and ovals which are located at Freemans Reach Road, Freemans Reach.
Over many decades, Charlie Greentree and his son George ran the club and coached teams as volunteers of Freemans Reach Cricket Club.
Charlie was a local farmer as well as a third-generation member of the Freemans Reach Cricket Club, following his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. He was a member of the Freemans Reach Cricket Club for nearly 70 years until his passing in May 2019.
George Greentree was the captain of his team every year from Under 13s until his retirement from 2nd Grade. He is also a life member of Freemans Reach Cricket Club and Hawkesbury District Cricket Association.
“I signed up as a player at age six in 1966 for the Club’s under 13s side and I ended up playing for 29 years,” George said.
‘I’d like to thank Hawkesbury City Council and Sarah McMahon for making this happen, it is a great honour for our family, and it has made me a happy man.”
