It’s the latest marker of Bendemeer’s pride, writ large in green and gold.
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Proud residents, including dad Trevor, have unveiled a new sign recording the village as the hometown of Australian test cricketer Josh Hazlewood.
Funded by the Grey Fergie Tractor Muster committee, it’s there to pay tribute to “a great young man [who] hasn’t forgotten about his country roots”.
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It's the third version of the sign, local Anne Doak said.
She made one to proclaim Hazlewood’s selection in the Australian test cricket team, then – when that seemed “old news” – another claiming him as a Bendeemer boy.
She said this latest iteration was more eye-catching and should last a little longer than her lovingly hand-painted efforts.
“We’re all very proud of him and his achievements, but the bottom line is: he’s a great young man, he hasn’t forgotten about his country roots, and he gets back as often as he can,” Mrs Doak said.
Dad Trevor Hazlewood, a steel fabricator, made the frame and Allsopp Signs in Tamworth produced the laminated digital print.
Mr Hazlewood said, “I’m very proud, don’t worry about that – we all are, the whole family – of what he’s achieved. It’s a nice honour; it looks pretty good.”
He said his son’s career had allowed the cricketer and his family to have some memorable VIP moments, but “he’s just a local kid when he comes home”.