THE next time state pollies invite the NSW Governor, Her Excellency Margaret Beazley, to their Macquarie Street premises, they better be on their best behaviour.
Her Excellency and her husband, Dennis Wilson, were in Moree last week for a three-day tour of the region, and called into Chalky’s Boxing Gym to catch up with one of Moree’s most inspiring coaches.
Colin Rice, universally known as ‘Chalky’, established the gym nearly six years ago, and has helped dozens and dozens of kids who were heading down uncertain paths.
Her Excellency went toe-to-toe with Chalky, gave Julie Livet a run for her money at ceiling-to-floor ball routines, and dared a group of aspiring young boxers to a planking challenge – and beat them.
“Chalky is a hero, an absolute legend,” Her Excellency said.
“You can see what his training is doing for the kids in terms of fitness, discipline and commitment – and the conversations I’ve had with the kids tell me exactly that.
“This type of thing gives kids a purpose away from other things they might be doing – or particularly, what they might not be doing, like sitting around.
“To see kids fit and healthy is very important. Chalky is a legend,” she said.
Her Excellency also met Jake Frey, a young man who found new direction with clippers, scissors and a barber’s chair.
Jake, a regular at Chalky’s Boxing Gym, says the gym barbershop has helped him grow – in stature and confidence.
In 2023, Chalky’s Boxing Gym was named Organisation of the Year at the Moree Reconciliation Awards, and the following year, Chalky was named Non-Aboriginal Elder of the Year, with his name added to the Moree Plains Community Elders Honours’ Roll at Moree War Memorial Hall.
But for all the accolades, Chalky remains humble.
He’s still trying to work out how the New South Wales Governor learned about Chalky’s Boxing Gym.
“I was very surprised when I found out Her Excellency would be visiting our gym. We’re just a little gym in the bush, and it’s not very often you hear about the Governor of New South Wales coming to a place like ours,” Chalky smiled.
“She met all the kids and spoke to them at length, and every person at the gym really appreciates her finding the time to visit.
“Her Excellency is very approachable and down to earth, and it was fantastic to meet her,” he said.
The Governor didn’t only meet Chalky’s proteges – she sparred with a few of them.
“Her Excellency is very fit and mixed with the boys. She got in the ring, and was really involved with what they were doing,” Chalky said.
“She challenged them to a plank – and beat them,” he laughed.
Emerging boxer, 20-year-old Brock Brown, welcomed Her Excellency to his ‘workplace’ and haven.
“The Governor is a very lovely lady, and I’m very honoured she came to visit us,” Brock said.
Brock has been attending the gym since April, 2024.
“I had my first fight on November 21 the same year,” he said.
Brock proudly says his life changed from the moment he walked through the gym’s front doors and laced up a pair of gloves.
“I’ve been here just on two years and been fighting for about 16 months,” he said.
“It’s been life-changing for me, one hundred per cent. Chalky is a very, very good man and he’s helped me out with a lot of stuff. I really appreciate him heaps.
“Boxing has taken me a long way from where I was. I’m very grateful, and proud of myself for where I am today,” he said.
Words and Images: Bill Poulos
