Narromine rugby league stalwart and sporting great Robert (Bob) Weir, who passed away in March 2022 aged 85, has been posthumously honoured at a special ceremony at Cale Oval on April 29.

Mr Weir’s decades-long involvement in local and representative rugby league, and his renown as the eminent builder of some of the district’s most iconic structures remain unsurpassed.

It was highly fitting then that the official opening of the new million-dollar Bob Weir Grandstand was part of the prestigious International Legends of League event held at the oval.

Members of Mr Weir’s family joined Narromine Shire Mayor, Cr Craig Davies, Member for the Dubbo Electorate, Dugald Saunders, and hundreds of community members at the event which saw the QUBE Agri Narromine Jets All-Stars take on the International Legends of League Alkane Resources Team on a thoroughly drenched Cale Oval.

Despite the very wet weather, there were smiles all round as Mrs Judy Weir and Dugald Saunders unveiled a plaque honouring Mr Weir’s stellar career.

Debuting in first grade with the Narromine Jets in 1955 at just 18, Mr Weir spent over 26 years as a player, captain-coach and non-playing coach.

His representative playing career included Group 11, Western Division, NSW Country Firsts and NSW jerseys. His coaching career included Group 11, Western Division and NSW Country appointments, and he served as a NSW Country selector for nine years.

The new Bob Weir Grandstand is a welcome addition to the Cale Oval Precinct.

“It is great to see the Cale Oval Grandstand completed and appropriately named. The late Mr Bob Weir is considered one of Narromine’s greatest local sportsmen,” said Cr Davies.

“He donned both NSW and country league jerseys, played in international clashes and won three premierships as the coach of Narromine Jets Rugby League Club.

“It is to honour [Bob’s] memory that we are here to dedicate his name to this grandstand,” he said, welcoming Mr Weir’s extended family to the event. He also acknowledged the many rugby league legends who had travelled to Narromine to participate in the headlining exhibition match.

Dugald Saunders said the International Legends of League event was a fantastic occasion for the Weir family to be present as the community formally recognised the contributions of the late Bob Weir.

“Not just as a footy player but also as a community member,” Mr Saunders said.

Mr Weir’s granddaughter, Fallon Attwater, spoke on behalf of Mrs Judy Weir and the family.

Judy Weir, Fallon Attwater, Dugald Saunders and Mick Burns unveil the plaque honouring the late Bob Weir.

“We as a family would like to express how much it means to have this building named in honour of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Bob Weir.

“It is an incredibly touching and heartfelt tribute, and we are very grateful beyond words,” Ms Attwater said.

She described her grandfather as an exceptional person and said the grandstand would be a testament to his memory and the incredible impact he had on the local community.

“This building will be a constant reminder of his contributions and a symbol of his legacy,” she said, thanking the Narromine Shire Council, Cr Davies, Mr Saunders, and the Narromine Jets, including club president Mick Burns.

The new multipurpose grandstand and club facilities form an integral part of the Cale Oval Sporting Precinct, an open and unique space in the centre of Narromine which also includes netball and tennis courts.

Narromine Shire Council secured a mix of state and federal funding totalling $1.38 million for the precinct upgrade, which will conclude with the complete refurbishment of the tennis club and courts.

“Narromine has a strong and long association with all sports and is regarded as the 'Town of Champions',” said Cr Davies.

Almost a dozen sporting high achievers are known to hail from the surrounding region and the Council is investigating how to appropriately acknowledge their achievements.