Wyongah author, Greg Tunn’s newest book, The History of the Wyong Rugby League Club Group, was launched by Member for Wyong, David Harris on February 21.
A comprehensive guide to the history of the Wyong Rugby League Club Group (WRLCG), Tunn’s new work was a passion project spurred on by his love of telling stories, and captures a combined 600 years of trials, tribulations and community spirit across the Group’s eight social club locations: Wyong Rugby League Club, Wallarah Bay Recreation Club, Wyong Bowling Club, Budgewoi Soccer Club, Canton Beach Sports Club, Goulburn Railway Bowling Club, Avoca Beach Bowling and Recreation Club, and Bateau Bay Bowling Club.
It also contains a history of registered clubs in NSW written by Jim Swanson.
Tunn is no stranger to recording the history of organisations on the Coast, having previously written other works about the region’s surf clubs and hotels, but this is his first pure historic text.
“When I was approached by WRLCG Manager, Michael Coghlan, to write this book, I had no hesitation in accepting,” Tunn said.
Going into the project, Tunn said he gave himself a goal of six months to complete it.
“It was a daunting prospect, but many of the clubs already had a brief history recorded, so from there, it was just tracking down the right people,” he said.
Tunn travelled the Coast to talk to anyone and everyone with a link to the club, from the descendants of club founders to people that served on committees, to those that played or worked at the various venues over the years.
All of them had a story to tell, but what kept coming up was just how far each club had come.
“What really stood out to me when writing this book was the work and effort that went into getting each and every one of these clubs going.
“Every club started from an inspiring, passionate person with the support of countless volunteers, and they’re now so ingrained in the community, it’s impossible to imagine these communities without them,” Tunn said.
Tunn said he hoped the book would help contribute to the legacy of each club and help shed some light on their largely untold histories.
The book was published by the WRLCG and will support their charitable arm, The Roos Foundation, that assists local charities and community groups in supporting disadvantaged community members.
Source:
Interview, Feb 26
Greg Tunn, Author
Reporter: Dilon Luke