Sport
12 September, 2020
Home grown football legend is honoured
Billy Slater, Ty Williams, Ashleigh Southern, Paul Fleming and Kim Carroll - the Cassowary Coast is famous as the birthplace of champions with Steve Corica the latest to be added to the destination’s honour roll of commemorative signs.
The words ‘Home of Steve Corica’ will soon greet visitors as they enter Innisfail with Council to acknowledge its home-grown great following his most recent achievement leading Sydney Football Club to A-League victory for an unprecedented third year in a row.
A household name to football fans from around the nation, Corica is currently Head Coach of Sydney FC and an inductee of the Club’s Hall of Fame.
He has been celebrated throughout his career for extraordinary technical skill on-field, and now for his strategic ability, determination and leadership from the sidelines.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor, Mark Nolan proposed the tribute to Council during general business of yesterday’s meeting saying the community was seeking a way to share its pride in Corica’s achievements.
“From humble beginnings with Tigers Soccer Club in the 80’s, Steve has thrilled us with his magnificent sporting career and this is one small way in which we can share how proud we are of what he’s achieved,” said Mayor Nolan who also acknowledged the role Corica’s family played in his success.
“As a grandson of Italian cane farming migrants to Innisfail, Steve attributes much of his success to the values instilled in him by his hard working family who are, to this day, much-loved members of our community.”
Many of the Corica family still reside in the region including Steve’s parents Mary and Mario who expressed enormous pride in their son’s achievements.
“I can’t believe that a little boy from Innisfail could achieve so much,” said Mrs Corica who said that Steve knew he would play for Australia from as young as seven years old.
“He lived and breathed football, there was always a ball at his feet and everything around the house turned into a goal.”
Mary took the opportunity to also acknowledge Steve’s brothers, Sam and Michael who have established businesses in Innisfail including Jill’s Stationery and Corica Constructions.
“We’re very blessed with our three boys, their wives and our eight grandchildren who are all staunch supporters of Steve,” said Mrs Corica.
Steve’s father Mario was grateful to hear news of Council’s decision to include his son in the region’s ‘honour roll’ of sporting greats, and looks forward to seeing the signs be erected in due course.
“Every time we used to drive into town and I’d see these names I always thought how nice it would be to see our son up there,” said Mr Corica.
“I’m lost for words because there’s so much I could talk about his achievements, I’m just so proud.”
In reflection of the high calibre of sporting professionals who have hailed from the Cassowary Coast, Mayor Nolan suggested it is the region’s unique combination of natural elements which make it the perfect place to raise kids.
“I’m pretty sure it’s our massive green parks, pristine environment, warm climate and strong sense of community which are the magic ingredients to creating such talented athletes,” said Mayor Nolan who also explained that the commemorative signs are not just about bragging rights.
“They remind our next generation that with hard work, discipline and determination anything is possible… that someone just like them grew up to be the best in their field.”
Following yesterday’s resolution Council will investigate where and when the new signs will be erected.
