‘Hope you’re running it straight up there, Benny’: Club’s tribute to fallen teammate
From left, Club Secretary Tarsh Gardner, Ben’s parents Nat Gorzalka & Chris Hunter with their son’s jersey and Club President Leith Hensley.
by Cameron Outridge
Nearly a year on from the accident that ended his life a young rugby league player has been honoured by his beloved footy club family.
Nambour Junior Rugby League Club on Wednesday (April 24) unveiled a memorial garden and bench in memory of the popular young man. Ben would have celebrated his 17th birthday this week.
Juniors President Leith Hensley said Ben’s teammates from the under 17 side, along with their parents, came down to join in putting the garden together.
“It was a special afternoon seeing many of his mates getting together for him once again and contributing to what will be a very special and significant place at Nambour Rugby League Club.
“This will be somewhere that people can come to share laughs or shed some tears. To maybe take some time out if they need a moment to themselves or with Ben.”
The garden setting includes a lychee tree. BJ worked on a lychee farm in between his school and football commitments.
“It will be somewhere that we can continue to remember Ben and all the times we had with him under the shade of the lychee tree,” said Leith.
Plaques honouring Ben have also been hung in the dressing sheds. “Ben is always going to be remembered in Nambour Junior Rugby League with little reminders in the dressing sheds of what he brought to the field. And also a player award named in his honour,” said Leith.
The plaques include the following wording as a reminder of Ben’s attributes and as a touch-point for players as they take the field: “Forever missed, forever remembered. Always a Crusher. Run it straight. Tackle with purpose.”
Leith said the garden was a place to sit down and reflect on the impact Ben had on those who knew him. “Or it can be just a quiet place for anyone to go and sit down, take some time to themselves or share a moment with a friend.
“This remarkable project will give not only Benny’s teammates, friends and family, somewhere significant to always come and enjoy his memory, but all members of our club now and beyond for many years to come. A place to remember a young man who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.’
With that, Leith looked to the sky. “Hope you’re running it straight up there, Benny. The whole club is still running it straight for you mate.”
‘Every day is hard’
Leith then asked Ben’s parents to cut the ribbon. Ben’s dad Chris Hunter said every day was difficult.
“Yes, it is hard for everyone and us, but what’s gone into this is fantastic. Just keep it up, use it. Talk to him. Because he’s here. So, thank you all.”
Nambour Men’s Shed President Bob Ward said the club was pleased to be involved. “It was our honour to do this work,” he said. “We put a lot of extra effort into it. It’s something that has to stand the test of time.”
Benjamin Hunter, 16, also known as BJ and Ben, died from critical head and chest injuries after he was hit on Image Flat Road near Nambour, on June 25 last year.
The bench plaque inscription reads: “Because Someone We Love Is in Heaven; There’s a Little Bit of Heaven in Our Fields.”
With thanks
The club thanked the following people, businesses and organisations for helping with the project:
• Rob Skelton, Member for Nicklin for donating materials for the bench seat and plants from Florabunda Native Nursery;
• Bob Ward and the Men’s Shed Nambour for crafting the bench seat with exceptional workmanship and generosity;
• AJ Steel for donating the steel for the seat’s construction;
• Apogee Trophies for donating the special plaque that sits on the bench with a touching tribute to BJ;
• Duane from ME Excavations, as well as Niall Maudsley, for their services and time in clearing the old garden and donating the topsoil and mulch for the new garden;
• Plants Direct kindly donated the mondo grass used in the garden;
• Arbour Grove for their donation of the lychee tree in BJ’s memory;
• BJ’s teammates and their parents for their planting efforts, and a special shout out to Matt for his paving work;
• Club secretary Tarsh Gardner for her planning and coordination of the garden.
