Tom Watson wants a local sporting hero to join Berwick’s Edwin Flack statue, instead of a Greek Olympian. He is joined by fellow supporters, from left, Harry Hutchinson, Anne Truadmokher, David Cerny, Brendan McLardy, Greg Talbett and John McGreal. 70420 Picture: Kim Cartmell
By Lilly O’Gorman
SPIRIDON who?
A growing number of residents are determined to see local AFL legend Michael Tuck cast in bronze, long before a statue of Greek athlete Spiridon Louis is erected in the centre of town.
Member for Gembrook Brad Battin announced recently that $25,000 in taxpayer money would fund the installation of a statue of Greece’s national hero in the High Street centre median, alongside Berwick’s own Olympic legend, Edwin Flack.
Spiridon Louis won the 1896 Olympic marathon, which Flack also competed in.
Berwick resident, Tom Watson spearheaded a committee which, with the help of the community, raised about $50,000 for the installation of the Edwin Flack bronze in 1996.
Now he has gathered more than 70 signatures urging Brad Battin to erect a statue of ‘local born and bred living legend’ Michael Tuck in lieu of the 1986 Greek Athlete Spiridon Louis.
“I do respect the Greek Community, they are terrific people and I don’t want to begrudge them this statue – but if they want to have one, it should not be in the main street of Berwick,” Mr Watson said.
“The government have given $25,000 towards this Greek statue, which is fair enough I suppose, but they didn’t give us $25,000 for Edwin Flack and they won’t for Michael Tuck.”
Mr Battin said the funding was allocated by the previous government through a multicultural grant, and couldn’t be allocated to a statue of Michael Tuck.
He defended the statue’s relevance to Berwick.
“I don’t think it’s a waste of money,” Mr Battin said.
“The link goes back with Spiridon and Edwin Flack and this is something the council has supported. I think Berwick is a great spot for it.
“We do have a multicultural background in Berwick and it’s important we do celebrate that, whether it is through statues, buildings or festivals.”
The City of Casey did not provide a comment as to whether it supported a statue of Michael Tuck.
Mr Battin said he would support a statue of Michael Tuck for Berwick.
Michael Tuck played in a total of seven VFL/AFL premierships with Hawthorn, captaining the club in four. He holds the record for most senior games played, 426 for Hawthorn; and a host of other accolades.
He was born, raised, and still lives and works in Berwick.
“He has got that many medals and awards for what he has done, among them is an Order of Australia Medal,” Mr Watson said.
“That’s why I think if you’re going to put a statue up of anyone, put one up of our own living legend.”
