By Brendan Rees
Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon has paid tribute to the much-loved president of the Casey South Melbourne Cricket Club whose memory “will motivate future generations who will become as passionate as he was.”
Ross Hibbins died on the 27 April, aged 55, after battling an aggressive form of cancer over the past year.
“It was the dream of Ross to make Casey South Melbourne a success story for Victorian Premier Cricket and to produce a club that the members and local community could be proud of,” Cr Stapledon said during a council meeting at Bunjil Place on 7 May where a minute’s silence was also held in his memory.
“I have no doubt that Ross delivered on this dream while also exceeding the expectations of the community in providing so many opportunities for future generations to participate in the sport,” she said.
Mr Hibbins was the president of the club since 2011 and was a valued community leader, mentor and club developer.
Cr Stapledon said Mr Hibbins was instrumental in helping Council deliver its plan for Casey Fields: “He strongly believed in partnerships and his passion for team work and collaboration was at the core of everything he did.”
“The Victorian Cricket community and the Casey community are better off for Ross Hibbins voluntary work. Ross leaves a stronger club with a bright future along with a more connected and healthier community.”
Mr Hibbins’ efforts in cricket include forging a strong relationship with the Melbourne Stars, hosting WNCL, WBBL and Youth Premier League matches, in addition to helping build the club in its normal Premier Cricket competition.
He is survived by his sons Sean and Nathan, wife Kate, and three grandchildren.
