Proposals made to Kempsey Shire Council for Dave Sands monument

The achievements of Kempsey born former boxer and proud Dunghutti man, Dave Sands, are legendary.

At the time of his tragic death in August 1952, Sands nee Ritchie held the Empire Middleweight, Australian heavyweight, middleweight, light heavy and Australasian light heavy titles.

He had eyes on a world title fight with one of the greatest boxers of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson, but unfortunately it never eventuated.

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In Glebe, a plaque erected by Tom Lamings Gymnasium sits within the suburb of Sydney whilst two memorials exist in Stockton.

Members of the Ritchie family and the public also raised enough money recently to refurbish a memorial built in Dungog to honour Sands.

Dave Sands street also exists in Greenhill, Kempsey.

Despite growing up in Burnt Bridge and calling the Kempsey area home, the street in Greenhill is the only tribute towards one of Kempsey's greatest ever athletes.

For Dave's grandson, Chad Ritchie, this brings major disappointment to him and his family.

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"He's recognised all over New South Wales, Australia and the world - he's a part of the International and Australian boxing hall of fame, there are memorials in several locations but his hometown and where he was born and grew up," Ritchie told the Argus.

"This year brings 68 years since he's been gone but that means it's been 68 years too long (for recognition in the area).

"He gave everything to where he grew up and made sure Kempsey was known across the world when he went overseas to fight."

The Ritchie family and current and former members of the Kempsey community see a monument as the perfect way of recognising Dave's achievements.

An article from Newsworthy, provides an excellent perspective into how statues can play a role in bridging a gap in Australian history.

"In Australia, the absence of Indigenous monuments or statues implies a gap in our history. We need to alter the way we choose to remember if we are to accurately understand our past," the article reads.

"Instead of tearing down existing statues or signposts to history, we should rather focus on the gaps in our history and look to commemorate those Australian heroes who have not yet been properly acknowledged."

Two proposals have been sent to Kempsey Shire Council in the hope of having a monument erected in honour of the world famous boxer.

Those proposals were written by former Kempsey resident and professional rugby league player with Cronulla Sutherland, Phillip Dotti, and Parkes Shire Council Aboriginal Project Officer, Amanda Corcoran.

Mr Dotti's proposal outlines the unbelievable achievements of Sands, his history and connection to the Kempsey area whilst also explaining the importance of memorials.

"Memorials/statues of importance to such, promotes awareness, goodwill & acknowledgment of one's achievements that impact on communities as a positive," Dotti writes.

"Memorials are also observed as a site to encourage harmony, pay respect & gain understanding.

"A memorial is significant to commemorate any icon of significance, I propose a statue of "Dave Sands" & memorials of his brothers beside him, with the input of their families."

Mr Dotti also outlined a desired location in his proposal.

"Belgrave St, parkland is the ideal location, surrounded by picturesque parkland, sporting facilities & offers tourists an opportunity to pay respects to Kempsey's greatest sporting history & legendary iconic family."

"This will re-assure the community, Council's responsibility to develop an awareness and appreciation of an Aboriginal/s contribution to history in the wider community, and to protect and preserve the environment and sites of spiritual and cultural significance to locals, visitors, sporting individuals, mainstream Australians of Kempsey's local products and proud contributors to national and global sport of boxing."

Kempsey Shire Council offered a response to the Argus in regards to the proposals with consideration to come over the following weeks.

"Council welcomes the community request to consider a monument to Dave Sands. It is a great example of the community guiding how we honour history and culture and we are keen to explore the community vision for such a monument," said Robert Fish, Council's Director of Operations and Planning.

"We will seek to meet with community representatives in coming weeks to better understand the scope of the project and to look at possible funding options. While we have not allocated budget or resources to this project in this financial year, which may include an allocation to a project coordinator.

"We have recently done a review of the South Kempsey Urban Design and Social Plan 'One Community, One Mob', which will be tabled at the September Council meeting.

"In talking further to Councillors and community members we can consider whether this monument would be appropriate to include as part of the Middleton Street Revitalisation Project identified in that plan."