The official naming of the Uncle Tom Kelly Bridge at Urunga this morning brought closure, and lots of smiles, to what has been a long process of red tape and crossed fingers.
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Following the welcome in fluent Gumbaynggirr by great-nephew Dylan Kelly, Uncle Tom’s niece Lisa Kelly said it was both and honour and a relief to gather with her family on the banks of the Kalang River to unveil the sign that would soon grace the Pacific Highway bridge directly overhead.
But it was not only family – the Member of Oxley and Minster for Roads, Melinda Pavey, was there, as were Bellingen Shire mayor Dominic King and General Manager, Liz Jeremy, plus quite a gathering from the local community.
Ms Pavey said she had been under pressure ever since she became the Member for Oxley to achieve this goal.
“The previous mayor, Mark Troy, said this just had to happen … it’s taken a while but here we are on this special day for Uncle Tom Kelly and his family,” Ms Pavey said.
Present were nephews and nieces, as well as those from the next generation, all of whom spoke of how much Uncle Tom loved children, what he had taught them about fishing and bush tucker and his love of chocolate.
“He was strict but loving … he adored us kids,” Lisa said.
“He read us stories, took us fishing – and gave us chocolate.”
She said Uncle Tom worked on the nearby farm for years and spent most of his life next to the Kalang River: “This is the perfect site.”
Her brother Brian said his uncle was the stalwart of the family, right up until his final days.
“Uncle Tom and Uncle Porky were always there for us – it was great having them both around,” Brian said.
Tom’s brother Raymond (Uncle Porky) reckoned his brother would be quietly smiling as he watched the morning’s events.
Manager of the Bellingen/Urunga Neighbourhood Centre, Leanne Collier, said in her long career of community service only a few moments stood out … and the fundraiser to get Uncle Tom to Uluru was one.
“It was his dream wish – it was a wonderful thing to work on and great to see it fulfilled,” Leanne said.