‘Cabbage’ Rickard: 40 years of keeping Central Park Gift-ready

Date: 16th April 2025

For four decades, Kevin Rickard – known affectionately by everyone as “Cabbage” – has been the quiet hero behind the world’s richest footrace. This Easter, as the Powercor Stawell Gift celebrates its 143rd running, Cabbage will mark a milestone of his own: 40 years of preparing the iconic grass track at Central Park.

“To reach 40 years working with the Northern Grampians Shire Council and preparing the Gift has been a real privilege,” Rickard says. “It’s something I cherish immensely. The journey has gone quickly, but it’s one I’ve been passionate about the whole way.”

A born-and-bred local, Cabbage played football for the Warriors in the early 1980s before swapping boots for turf tools. His first job was at a greengrocer where, as a 16-year-old, he was nicknamed “Sprout.” Two years later, it evolved into “Cabbage,” and the name stuck.

It was legendary groundsman John Hunt who first handed Rickard the reins, and the honour of being trusted with Central Park’s surface is something he’s never taken lightly.

“I was mentored by John and learned so much from him. Being handed down the responsibility was a real honour,” he says.

Kevin has seen the oval evolve with the times. When he began in the 1980s, irrigation was done using old aluminium pipes. In 2001, the oval underwent a major redesign, transitioning from a cool-season grass to a warm-season couch to handle extended drought periods.

“Certainly a lot has changed over the journey,” he reflects. “But one of the biggest challenges has always been preparing the oval for three different sports in the one season, especially leading into the Gift.”

Through it all, he has stayed grounded but his list of highlights reveals a rich and memorable career. From Cathy Freeman’s unforgettable 400m win in 1996 to the 2013 Australian Test Masters, and hosting Wimmera Football League grand finals, there have been plenty of magic moments.

“The 2020 Gift being called off due to COVID was definitely one of the more surreal moments. It’s only been cancelled twice in history, so that was a big one,” Rickard says.

And then there are the weather stories – like in 2024, when 75mm of rain fell in just 45 minutes, threatening to derail the event.

“It was probably the most concerning weather event I’ve dealt with,” he says. “But I had confidence in the drainage. The Gift management team and I met, assessed the conditions, and agreed to run the final. And we pulled it off.”

Stawell Mayor, Karen Hyslop said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate Cabbage and his significant 40-year milestone this year, especially given he’s a Stawell local and familiar friendly face around town. Council has exceptional parks and gardens around the shire which Cabbage plays an integral role in maintaining, such as Central Park.

“The grounds look amazing and are believed to be in one of the best conditions in the lead up the running of the 143rd Stawell Gift. The work that Cabbage and the broader council operations team have done over recent years to ensure the Stawell Gift continues rain, hail or shine should be commended.”

Rickard’s work isn’t just physical, it’s emotional. His deep sense of pride in showcasing the Powercor Stawell Gift and the town itself is clear.

“I’ve always loved the historic Stawell Gift and its importance to our community,” he says. “This event means a lot to so many people. It’s a part of who we are.”

He also takes a moment to acknowledge the many people he’s worked with over the years. “I’ve been privileged to work with a great organisation in NGSC, and I want to congratulate the Parks & Gardens team for the incredible work they do year in, year out. And of course, the Stawell Athletic Club for the effort they put in every single year.”

So, this Easter, as athletes from all over the country take their marks on the pristine Central Park grass, spare a thought for the man who made it happen – for the 40th time.

“Enjoy Easter everyone, stay safe and let the running begin,” Cabbage says. “Let’s showcase our beautiful town and, most importantly, the Stawell Gift. Good luck to all the runners.”

cheers,

Cabbage.

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