Well known in Hawkesbury's cricket circles, Charlie and George Greentree are a step away from receiving a top honour.
Hawkesbury Council propose to add their names to a pair of fields within a reserve located at 204 Freemans Reach Road, Freemans Reach.
Currently on public exhibition, the council intends to name the reserve itself, The Breakaway, and then name one of the fields within The Charlie Greentree Oval, and the other The George Greentree Oval.
Both men have provided decades of volunteer service to the Freemans Reach Cricket Club and to the sport of cricket in the Hawkesbury in general.
This has included not only running the club, but also coaching teams and fostering young talented Hawkesbury cricketers through the representative ranks.
Charlie Greentree was a farmer on the banks of the Hawkesbury River next to the ovals.
His family has been an integral part of the Hawkesbury for many generations.
"In fact, the first Greentree passed away here in 1805," stated council's report on the proposed naming.
"Charlie himself was heavily involved in the development of the area known as The Breakaway after the huge and destructive floods of the early 1960s, as a representative of both the farming and cricket communities.
"Charlie was a third generation member of the Freemans Reach Cricket Club after his father and grandfather. Although his own cricket career was cut short after contracting polio as a teenager, he remained involved and a member of the Freemans Reach Cricket Club for nearly 70 years until his passing."
Charlie filled numerous roles within the club and also was a long term major sponsor, providing both funds and equipment for any projects carried out by the club.
He died on May 4, 2019.
Son George, has also made a significant contribution to the club.
Councillor Sarah Richards added to the council report, stating the George signed up as a player at age six in 1966 for the club's under 13s side.
"George ended up playing for 29 years," Cr Richards said, "winning multiple premierships and district bowling awards. George was the captain of his team every year from Under 13's until his retirement from Second Grade. This resulted in his being the captain, coach or manager in 27 premiership sides."
George was made a life member of the club in 1995 and has since been made a life member of Hawkesbury District Cricket Association.
"George also won the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award for the Western Sydney Region and has run Pink Stumps days for several years raising money for the Jane McGrath Foundation," Cr Richards said.
"He is also well known for getting many players home safely from nights out after the cricket, being a reliable taxi driver to take players home at 3am.
"In essence, George Greentree really has dedicated his life to cricket in the Hawkesbury and to the local kids and adults who play."
The reserve has been informally known as The Breakaway for many years. The proposal also seeks to make it official.
Public comment is being sought in accordance with the Geographical Names Act 1966 and can be lodged with council by 5pm, Thursday, December 17,
They can be made online via the submission form at yourhawkesbury-yoursay.com.au, emailed to council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au, or in writing addressed to the General Manager at PO Box 146, Windsor, NSW, 2756.
