By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
FORMER Dandenong mayor Dave Kelly has been remembered for leadership that forged the way for Dandenong’s showcase basketball stadium and successful national women’s basketball team.
Mr Kelly, who was a councillor for Dandenong in 1988-’94 and Greater Dandenong in 2003-’05, died on 27 July.
He was mayor in 1994 and a former president of both St Mary’s Cricket Club and the Dandenong Basketball Association.
At last week’s council meeting, Councillor John Kelly said “it is very sad that Dave has left us”.
“He was absolutely passionate for this town. Sometimes the passion would get the better of him, but that was Dave.”
Mr Kelly’s election platform as a councillor was for the creation of the immense basketball stadium on Stud Road for the large local basketball association, Cr Kelly said.
“If not for Dave’s persistence … that stadium wouldn’t be here.
“The community will sadly miss the contribution that Dave Kelly has made to this community.”
Mayor Jim Memeti expressed condolences to Mr Kelly’s family and friends.
Dandenong Basketball Association paid tribute with black armbands at yesterday’s men’s and women’s games at the stadium.
DBA chief executive David Graham said Mr Kelly was instrumental in many events in Dandenong – one being snaring a WNBL licence for the Dandenong Rangers national women’s basketball side in 1992.
“He was a larger-than-life character. You always knew where you stood with Dave. His strength of leadership was well-known. Everybody knew him.
“He was a great support for the basketball community out here. A very good man.”
Mr Graham remembers Mr Kelly dropping into his office, talking basketball and regaling him with the stadium’s history.
“If there was something on his mind, he would come in and discuss it and give his insights.”
A funeral service for Mr Kelly was held at St Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday.
He is survived by wife Maureen, children David, Deborah and Meagan and two grandchildren.
