Place Names Register Extract
Akers Road
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View in NT Atlas | Print Extract | Search Again| Name | Akers |
|---|---|
| Type Designation | Road |
| Place Id | 24021 |
| Place Type | Road |
| Status | Registered |
| Date Registered | 10 December 2010 |
| Locality / Suburb | |
| Humpty Doo | |
| Local Government Area | |
| Litchfield Council | |
| History/Origin | Akers Road is named after Geoff Akers, a Territory businessman and sports administrator. Geoffrey Dale Akers was born on 19 July 1959 in Barraba, New South Wales, and grew up in Coonabarabran as one of seven children. He left school in Year 10 and completed a diesel fitter apprenticeship, working in the trade for six years before travelling around Australia. He eventually arrived in Darwin to help manage buffaloes on a rural property and decided to settle in the Top End. From 1991 onwards, Geoff Akers was actively involved in earthmoving and construction across Darwin and surrounding rural areas. He contributed to the establishment of several local businesses and frequently volunteered his time and equipment for small-scale construction works throughout the region. One such contribution was the clearing and construction of an access road and boat ramp at Stuart's Tree Fishing Camp. Built at his own expense and intended for public use, the ramp has significantly increased activity in the area and is now also used during military exercises. Geoff Akers was killed in a motor vehicle accident at Swim Creek crossing en route to his Point Stuart property on 27 August 2009. In addition to being a keen fisherman, Geoff had a deep passion for cricket. He served two terms as President of the Southern Districts Cricket Club (SDCC), playing a key role in the early upgrades to the turf wicket and practice nets at Freds Pass Reserve. He was in his second term at the time of his passing. He also played a central role in developing a community cricket ground near Strauss Airfield, on the site of a World War II era pitch. The ground became the venue for the annual ANZAC match between the Litchfield Council President's XI and the Army, with funds raised in support of Legacy. Geoff prepared the pitch and surrounds for these games, continuing his long standing support for grassroots cricket. A memorial gate and section of white picket fence were installed at the SDCC clubhouse shortly after his passing in 2009, as a tribute. Players first entered the field through the gate on Day 2 of an A Grade match held soon after, with Geoff's family in attendance for the occasion. The memorial was later relocated to the changerooms and the fence extended. Several ongoing cricket events now commemorate Geoff Akers. The Geoff Akers Memorial Shield, established by Palmerston Cricket Club, is contested annually between Palmerston and Southern Districts in the One Day competition. The Geoff Akers Cup, initiated in collaboration with the PINT Cricket Club, is played in the Two Day competition. Both were first contested in 2010. In line with its founding agreement, the Cup remains permanently housed at Southern Districts, regardless of which side wins. Geoff Akers was also a generous supporter of women's cricket, sponsoring the Rose Bowl competition between Darwin and Alice Springs teams. He supported Indigenous cricket across the Northern Territory and was an active member of the Lord's Taverners NT, a charity cricket team that raises funds for disadvantaged children and promotes inclusive participation across blind, deaf, intellectually impaired, Indigenous, and female cricket. The Taverners continue to play an annual Geoff Akers Memorial Match in his honour, also first held in 2010. |
Register & Gazettal information
| Date | Gazettal | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 10/12/2010 | Date added to the Register | |
| 22/12/2010 | NTG51 |