Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer unveiled the sign with Cr Nell at the Tomaree Sports Complex today.

First elected to Port Stephens Council from 1983 to 1987, Cr Nell said receiving the honour came as a surprise.

“It has been an honour to serve our community for more than 30 years as a Councillor for Port Stephens, and during this time, I’m proud to have been a passionate member of the Tomaree Sports Council.

“I was very humbled when Mayor Ryan Palmer put forward a notice of motion to name the match field after me and for my colleagues to unanimously support it.

“I’ve always tried to assist the sporting community in any way possible, so while it came as a surprise, it’s lovely to have these contributions recognised,” he said.

Mayor Ryan Palmer says Cr Nell has contributed much to the Port Stephens sporting community.

“Councillor Nell is passionate about community sport and has shown dedication and commitment to its management across Port Stephens through his active role on the Tomaree Sports Council,” he said.

“Talking to his colleagues on the sports council, this is something that is certainly well deserved — we wouldn’t have the facilities on the Tomaree Peninsula that we do today without the dedication and hard work of John Nell.

“It’s a lovely thought to know that children from all over Port Stephens and the Hunter region will now be able to score a try on the John Nell Match Field,” he said.