Park named in honour of the late Lyle Albert Dobbs
Published on 02 July 2018
A Rockhampton park has been named in memory of community champion, Lyle Albert Dobbs; just one day shy of what would have marked his 78th birthday.
Located on the corner of Sunset Drive and German Street, the Lyle Albert Dobbs Park was officially opened with a naming ceremony held on Saturday morning.
Speaking on the day, Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said it was an honour to help pay tribute to a man whose great love for the Rockhampton community was demonstrated by the giving of his time.
“Today we are here to formally acknowledge the tremendous community services to the Rockhampton Region from Mr Lyle Albert Dobbs,” Mayor Strelow said.
“And what better day – it seems the stars really did align to see us all able to be here to officially open the Lyle Albert Dobbs Park on the day before Lyle’s birthday.”
The ceremony acknowledged Lyle’s tireless efforts in the community up until his passing in 2015. He was a founding member of the State Emergency Service (SES) in Rockhampton in 1975 and went on to give four decades, or an estimated 20,000 hours, of SES service.
He was also a member of numerous local committees and volunteer organisations, with some including Diabetes Queensland, Amateur Radio Station (Life Member), Local Government Disaster Management Group, ANZAC Day Committee and Rockhampton Carers.
The day also paid tribute to the contribution Lyle made to the community through his music, and included a performance by the Salvation Army Band. Lyle was a member of the Salvation Army Band and Rockhampton City Brass Band for many years; playing at parks, markets, events and free concerts.
The morning welcomed a crowd of close on 200 people - made up of family, friends and colleagues of the late Lyle Dobbs.
Discussing the event, Ross Dobbs said it was an honour to see the park named after his late father.
“From the family, it’s an honour for Lyle’s memory and the extended work he did in the community to be remembered,” Ross said.
“From a personal perspective also, during all of his tireless involvement with the community, he still found time to be a father, a husband and a pa.
“We’re very thankful to the Council and the community in their support in naming the park in memory of Lyle,” Ross said.