HERE in Gawler, we are lucky enough to claim a number of famous exports as our own.
From Olympian Lisa Ondieki and Paralympian Lyn Lillecrapp, to Hollywood star Justin Kurzel, to current Socceroo Riley McGree – it’s a list that would be the envy of most of other South Australian towns. But arguably, there’s none more famous than former Australian cricketer Darren Lehmann.
The man known as ‘Boof’ was born and raised in Gawler before jetting off around the globe as a member of the Test side, rubbing shoulders with some of the country’s most recognisable sport stars.
Lehmann has an eye-catching stats sheet, and is up there with the Chappells and Greg Blewett as SA’s best ever cricketers.
Just Google his name to find out for yourself.
The former Australia captain and coach already has one of the highest honours you can get, immortalised in bronze at Adelaide Oval alongside other icons like Sir Don Bradman, Jason Gillespie and Clem Hill.
But why can’t we do more in town to honour one of our favourite sons?
In fact, you could argue we don’t do enough to honour any of our best and brightest.
Granted, statues aren’t necessarily the flavour these days.
But why can’t a plaque or a bust be erected somewhere prominent in town?
Even a mural could be painted somewhere. Sport, or even cricket, might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we should celebrate those of us who have gone on to be the best in their field.
Darren Lehmann is surely right at the top of that list.
