A park in Kingston has been named in commemoration of Gamilaroi and Darug man Mr Alfred George Stafford MBE.

The park, located adjacent to Trevillian Quay at the Kingston Foreshore estate, has been officially named Alf Stafford Park.

This honours Mr Stafford for his significant contributions to Canberra through his public service, sporting achievements and association with early Kingston.

Mr Stafford was an avid sportsman and the official driver of Prime Minster Robert Menzies for many years. An enduring friendship developed between the two men and their families.

He worked as a parliamentary driver and as a Ministerial Attendant at Parliament House, serving numerous Australian prime ministers before retiring in 1972.

Mr Stafford was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his dedicated service to several of Australia’s prime ministers.

Originally from Binnaway, NSW, Mr Stafford moved to Canberra in the 1930s and quickly became a prominent member of the Kingston community as a local business owner and cricketer.

He was captain of the Kingston district cricket club team and captained Federal Capital Territory Cricket Association representative team matches.

Alf Stafford’s family said they are proud of his achievements and are looking forward to his memory living on through the naming of Alf Stafford Park.

“Alf was a much loved and respected father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend,” Mr Stafford’s family said.

“There was a saying around Old Parliament House: ‘Prime Ministers come and go, but Alf Stafford goes on forever’, to which Alf would reply ‘I wish it was true’.

“Today, our family is proud to honour his wish. Through the unveiling of ‘Alf Stafford Park’, we pay respect to a true gentleman (the last of the hat tippers!) providing a legacy, ensuring Alf’s memory lives on,” his family said.

^{A  portrait of Mr Stafford as a young man.}

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