SPORT
Grandstand at Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre
officially named the Jack Iori Grandstand
The Hills Shire Council has officially named the grandstand at Kellyville Memorial Park Community Centre the Jack Iori Grandstand, recognising the extraordinary contribution Jack Iori OAM has made to rugby league and the development of community sport across the Hills District.
For more than 60 years, Mr Iori has been one of the region’ s most dedicated supporters of junior sport, local clubs and grassroots rugby league. His longstanding connection with the Parramatta Eels, dating back to the late 1960s, has seen him contribute financially, personally and passionately to the growth of the game at every level.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, said the naming was a fitting tribute to a man who has played a vital role in shaping the community.
“ Jack has spent a lifetime lifting others up. His generosity has strengthened our sporting clubs, supported local families and given countless young people the opportunity to participate and thrive,” Mayor Byrne said.
“ Naming the grandstand in his honour recognises a legacy built on more than 60 years of service, passion and genuine community spirit.
“ The Jack Iori Grandstand celebrates a lifetime of dedication to rugby league and the community it brings together.”
Parramatta Eels Chief Executive Officer Jim Sarantinos said the naming was a welldeserved honour for a lifelong supporter and respected community leader.
“ Jack Iori’ s contribution to the Parramatta Eels, the game of rugby league and the wider Hills community is truly extraordinary and spans more than five decades,” Mr Sarantinos said.
“ Since 1975, Jack has been a passionate supporter and generous contributor to junior rugby league, while also providing unwavering support to our Club and players across multiple generations.
“ Beyond the game, his commitment to the community has been equally significant, with support extended to schools, churches, hospitals, grassroots sport and numerous community organisations throughout the Hills District and Western Sydney.
“ Jack’ s warmth, generosity and passion have left a lasting impact on so many. Many of us, past and present, at the Parramatta Eels feel proud and privileged to call Jack a friend. Honouring Jack in this way ensures a permanent legacy with both our Club and the Hills community.”
A steadfast supporter of the Parramatta Eels, Mr Iori sponsored endof-season awards in the Club’ s early years,
supplied eggs to players from his Rouse Hill farm and maintained close friendships with Eels legends including Peter Sterling, Steve Ella and Peter Wynn.
The Iori family has also made significant contributions to the Parramatta Eels Foundation, supporting grassroots development, participation programs and community sport across the Hills and Western Sydney.
The naming holds special significance given the grandstand’ s location alongside the Parramatta Eels Centre of Excellence. The 1,500-seat facility hosts weekend sport for local families and serves as a key venue for the very programs supported by the Iori family.
Mayor Byrne said the grandstand was a fitting place to honour Mr Iori’ s lifetime of dedication.
“ Jack’ s influence can be seen across our schools, clubs, charities and sporting fields,” she said.
“ Naming the grandstand in his honour ensures his legacy and contribution to local sport, the Parramatta Eels and The Hills community will be remembered for generations to come.”
PUZZLES... CROSSWORD & SUDOKU... PUZZLES crossword 1
ANSWERS PAGE 31
ACROSS 8 Rant( 4) 9 20( 5) 10 Press laundry( 4) 11 Riches( 6) 12 Threshold( 8) 13 Not broadly( 8) 15 Wry( 6) 17 A pendant earring( 7) 19 Normal( 7) 22 City in Saskatchewan( 6) 24 An instillment( 8) 26 Fluttering( 8) 28 In a courteous manner( 6) 30 An alliance of countries( 4) 31 At the ends of fingers( 5) 32 Wander( 4)
sudokU 1
DOWN 1 Used to tie a shoe( 4) 2 Of good upbringing( 8) 3 Shun( 6) 4 Farewell( 7) 5 Speed( 8) 6 Debacle( 6) 7 Where the heart is( 4) 14 Memorable saying( 5) 16 A Rocky Mountain state( 5) 18 Speeches( 8) 20 Unsafe( 8) 21 The most important person in a group( 7) 23 A forceful consequence( 6) 25 Complete( 6) 27 Letup( 4) 29 Sixty-six in Roman numerals( 4)
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: Each of the nine vertical columns Each of the nine horizontal rows Each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box. Good luck!
28 ISSUE 129 // MARCH 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT