COMMUNITIES are always more than the sum of their parts, comprised of the components that each and every member has to bring and every bit as diverse.
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Bill Arnold was born at Leeton District Hospital, and raised in Leeton, third youngest of four, he’s not strayed far from the nest and gladly makes Leeton his home.
An avid rugby league fan, mr Arnold can frequently be found on the sidelines, proudly supporting the Leeton Greens.
First joining the club to play for the under 16s, he went on to play for first grade before transitioning into coaching.
What is your earliest childhood memory?
“Growing up in a little house in Parkview, on Birch Avenue, when I was little and playing at the park and the monkey bars.
“I remember going over to the tennis courts and playing tennis.”
When did you develop your interest in sports?
“When I was little I remember being brought around to Parkview and the tennis courts, my mum loved tennis and still does.
“The dominant sport in our family is rugby league.
“My dad was a rugby league player and my mum a supporter.
“I’ve got three sons and two of them play, the other one did play and wants to play again, and my daughter married into a rugby league family.”
Growing up, who were your mentors?
“It was hard back then, dad was always working to make ends meet back then and mum was the driving force in sports.
“She was a tough lady and called the shots at home.
“Dad was a gentle man and never got cranky much.
“They taught me to work hard, take pride in what you do and respect people.
“My pop, my mum’s father, he was a club stalwart, cricketer, group 20.
“Pop used to take me over to the ovals and have a kick of the footy and we’d talk about things.”
What did you want to be when you grew up?
“I always wanted to be a carpenter, a builder.
“I was always going to work with dad and helping him.
“Growing up around someone that’s in the building industry, it’s hard not to go that way.”
What makes Leeton so unique?
“I’ve got generations of family here, been involved with council and been on various committees, and it’s a very unique place where Leeton can combine to raise funds for people.
“Leeton is a very generous place, with a lot of generous people in it.
“So many people and businesses that are willing to donate, but don’t want to be recognised for it.”
“The facilities are fantastic, the doctors, parks and sports grounds, motorbike tracks and racing.
“One Aussie Rules club, two football clubs and one Union in one little town that field all sides.
“It tells you a sign about the community spirit, the generosity of the town.”
