A poll was created by close friends of Sunbury stalwart Jack Ogilvie who died earlier this month, calling for the Hume Global Learning Centre in Sunbury to be renamed in his honour.
A social media poll was posted on several local pages and groups from the Sunbury area and a physical book was placed in town to garner signatures.
The signatures will be included in a submission asking Hume council to consider the proposal.
Sunbury Autobarn owner Adam Mizzi, who was a close friend of Jack’s, said that having the centre renamed was on a ‘to-do list’ Jack wrote for his closest friends before he died.
Mr Mizzi said that renaming the site would recognise Jack’s contribution to its establishment, as he and former councillor Ann Potter worked with former Hume chief executive to direct revenue towards the Global Learning Centre. It would also honour his legacy and dedication to the community.
“This was Jack’s dying wish …the other thing is we would like a park or sporting field named after Jack … he was very passionate about youth,” Mr Mizzi said.
Local businessman Glenn Ingram, who was also a close friend of Jack’s, said that the renaming could also act as a form of encouragement to others to serve their community.
“We’ve got a record at Sunbury in recognising those who have contributed to the development of the town – Boardman Stadium, Jacksons Street, Wood Street, Aitkens Street. Those are all names of people who were very much involved in the community,” Mr Ingram said.
“We need more and more people to spend time finding ways to improve the community and that has come from the sort of [people] like Jack Ogilvie,” he said.
“I hope this moves beyond politics. What none of us can disagree with is Jack did a lot for the town.”
A spokesperson for Hume said that it recognises the “tremendous impact former Hume City councillor Jack Ogilvie had on the Sunbury community, and is aware of the petition in support of memorialising” him.
“Any application would be considered by [the] council in adherence with our existing naming policies,” the spokesperson said.
