04/08/2025
Today marks 50 years since the passing of Walter “Wally” Bates.
Wally was born in Northam in 1922, before moving into Parkerville Children’s Home at aged 2.
By 18 Wally was an all-round sportsman, playing cricket, football and tennis for Parkerville. Wally also showed great skills in boxing.
Whilst enlisted in the army Wally received his first certificate for boxing. He represented the army as a welter weight in 1943.
Wally’s love for sports continued after leaving the army. Wally trained for boxing at the East Cannington Gymnasium every Tuesday and Thursday night, whilst the weekends were dedicated to football or cricket.
By 1951 Wally was boxing for the Midland Police and Citizens Boys Club (later renamed Midland PCYC) and won State Boxing Championships.
Becoming a judge, referee and coach, Wally was well known and well respected within the WA boxing scene.
Despite hardship and setbacks, Wally was a respected leader in the Midland area and an admired coach.
Teaching discipline, self-confidence, self-esteem and community service, Wally inspired many including the O’Donnell brothers who picked up Wally’s passion for boxing.
Wally died suddenly in 1975, at the age of 54. Bevan was set to compete that evening and often spoke of the shock felt from the news of Wally’s passing.
Wally’s legacy has endured, through the memory of those that he taught and the establishment of the Wally Bates Memorial Club in 1988.
While many of us at the club did not have the opportunity to meet Wally, we honour his memory by passing on his teachings and ensuring our club is open to all.
A life and a legacy can be difficult to summarise but four words found on Wally’s headstone convey the essence of a Noongar and Midland leader:
A Sportsman. A Gentleman.