Trust farewells SCG Head Curator Tom Parker

The Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust farewelled long-time SCG Head Curator at the ground on Thursday with a large reception turning out to celebrate his contribution.

He is just the eighth curator in history and prepared the ground for some of its greatest moments including Steve Waugh’s last-ball century in 2003, Australia’s Ashes whitewash in 2006 and David Warner’s century before lunch on the opening day of this year’s Test.

There were plenty of special memories with the Swans including Tony Lockett’s 1300^th goal in 1999, Nick Davis’s four-goal haul against Geelong in 2005 and the arrival of Buddy Franklin in 2014. Parker oversaw the ground for Australian T20 and One-Day Internationals, concerts, Sydney Sixers, Sheffield Shield and rugby league fixtures as well as special events such as the Super Test in 2005, Major League Baseball Series Opener in 2014 and ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015.

He was also on hand for the construction of the Victor Trumper Stand and the Noble Bradman Messenger Stand redevelopment – two significant moments in time for the SCG.

“Tom Parker leaves a legacy of immense proportions. He prepared the Test wicket for two decades of summers, fitting that monumental task around all the other challenges that come with working at the SCG,” said Trust Chairman Tony Shepherd.

“The Trust owes you a great debt of gratitude for your custodianship of this place. You leave a rich legacy, one that includes knowledge you’ve handed on to all your colleagues – knowledge that lesser men would keep to themselves.”

Parker received a ball made out of the SCG’s famous Bulli Soil which was commissioned by the Trust and fired in a kiln, preserving it in tribute to the contribution he has made to the ground. Click here to see some of the photos from the afternoon.

SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND CURATORS