Orange’s new stadium is to be named for the late John Davis, Orange’s longest-serving mayor, a lifelong sports fan and keen rugby league player and coach in his younger years.

Members of the Davis family took part in the official sod-turning ceremony for the new stadium last Thursday, which coincidentally fell two years to the day since John Davis died.

Speaking on behalf of the family Ben Davis, the son of the late John Davis, said his father would have been proud to see a stadium for Orange finally become a reality.

“It's two years today since we lost Dad,” Mr Davis said, “and he would be unbelievably proud of this stadium. “He loved the Orange community and the Orange surrounds and he dedicated… basically his life to it — and he did love a good sod turning! I've got to say, he did love a good sod turning.

“I want to say a big thank you to the Minister, to Phil Donato, to the Orange City Council and just the general community. This is going to be a fantastic facility, and it is something that Orange has needed for some time and it's something that Orange deserves.

“We look forward to watching some fantastic sport played over here in the coming years!”