General News
17 April, 2026
TIME TO THINK: What can we do with Brian Lennen
Maryborough's Brian Lennen discusses local footy legends.
Recently in my travels I have run across Neville Ivey.
Neville is the son of Estelle and Peter Ivey, and has attained some significant administrative positions both municipal and sporting.
His father, Peter, was an unlikely leader who inspired those around him to work tirelessly and be driven to success.
Peter and his committee took Royal Park Football Club (Bushy) from a team that rarely won to a powerhouse at district level.
For years as “cellar dwellers” they emerged as the dominant team at all levels.
Fortunately, one of country football’s greatest coaches, Bob Allison, was transferred to Maryborough East Primary School.
Bob already had an outstanding record. As a teenager he won the Bendigo Football League goalkicking and was a part of several premierships.
He was invited to train with Norm Smith’s powerful Melbourne side and made the John Beckwith-led Demon’s list.
Instead, he decided to take up a primary school teaching position at Stanhope rural school. At 20-years-old he coached Rochester to a premiership.
He brought his talent and charisma to Maryborough.
Junior development was one of the key notes to his success. Firstly he took over and expanded “Yates Paddock”.
Soon after there was the under 14s and then the under 16s.
Ernie Johnson and co master-minded the “mini league”.
Every Sunday, the Frank Graham Oval across from 2828 Maryborough East Primary School was packed with spectators, as the Emus, Eagles, Wallabies and the Bears did battle.
As a regular umpire, I felt the full vitriol of supporters along the fence if I made a dubious decision.
Kids of all shapes, sizes and abilities vied to play and compete.
AFL players such as Brendon Tranter, Brendan Budge, Jamie Elliott, Glen Gorman, Graeme Whitnall and Russel Ohlsen are a few of those to play at the ultimate level.
It is hard to believe that after 153 years the Maryborough community cannot support a major league team.
Enthusiasm to play the game was rife and support was fanatical.
Rovers, Primrose, Royal Park and Talbot thrived along with Carisbrook.
At the same time, Maryborough was a powerhouse in both the Ballarat and Bendigo leagues.
It is hard to believe that it is 50 years since I stood with Peter Ivey and Doug Baxter and the district surveyor to select the site for Hedges Oval. Both Peter and Doug should be recognised for their efforts. Royal Park and Colts Phelans Cricket Club were to thrive there.
Apart from taking the initiative with the under-age competitions, Royal Park took advantage of the “bar culture”.
On Friday nights hotel bars were packed with drinkers. The “chook and bottle” grew and grew.
Each draw delivered $10. The drinkers demanded more. Most Friday nights saw over $200 in the coffers.
The monthly cabaret at the Pipe Band Hall was booked out in advance and featured local identities Bob Budge, Max Finch, Don Cassidy and Reuben Tyers. Also Greg Waters, Sid Pascoe, Bob Osborne and Ian McCann contributed vocally.
Significant gate takings, bar trade and the sales from the canteen swelled the club’s finances.
Significantly the players (nearly all from the junior ranks) didn’t demand or expect large payments but what the club could afford. After all, it was their club.
Realistically the decline of local industry, the movement of adolescents to larger centres to attend university, and the arrival of poker machines has forever changed the future.