Renaming Goolwa Sports Stadium

In April 2023, Council received correspondence from community member, Malcolm Bruce, with the support of 11 other signatories, regarding a proposal to rename the Goolwa Sports Stadium after the late James Baker.

The renaming would recognise James ‘Jim’ Baker’s contribution towards raising a significant amount of money for the facility and his advocacy with community stakeholders, the Council and the Government of South Australia to build the stadium on its current site.

Mr Bruce and Mr Baker were members of the Apex Club of Goolwa which ran ‘mud rally’ events in the 1980s with proceeds going towards a local sports stadium.

Mr Baker was the chairman of the Sports Stadium Committee which drove the delivery of the stadium project.

“Jim was a driving force behind Goolwa having this great asset and a prominent community-minded leader in everything he did and all community events he was involved with. It is with the passing of James Baker and talking with many that knew him, the most fitting honour the community could give Jim would be to honour his commitment to the project he put lots of energy and time into ensure the best outcome for Goolwa”. Community member Malcolm Bruce, from his letter to Alexandrina Council 2023 (refer to the Council Agenda 17 April 2023 attachment for letter).

Council seeks community and stakeholders’ feedback on the proposal to rename the ‘Goolwa Sports Stadium’ to the ‘James Baker Sports Stadium’.

Alexandrina Council is committed to actively engaging with the community and stakeholders to ensure the community has the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed renaming.

How to submit feedback:

• Online Survey
• By Mail - please direct written submission to alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au or by post to Att: CEO, Alexandrina Council, PO Box 21, Goolwa SA 5214, or
• In Person - Complete a hard copy survey at the Strathalbyn or Goolwa offices.

Submissions regarding the proposal will be accepted by Council until Friday 1 December 2023, 5pm.