The Newtown RLFC regrets to announce the recent passing of George Debnam, a Life Member of Newtown and a long-serving player and club administrator.
George Debnam played with Newtown as a fullback from 1940 through to 1950 for a total of 100 grade games, including 17 first grade games.
His playing career with Newtown had been interrupted for extended periods by Second World War service and by his employment as a high school teacher. He was in fact a survivor of the bombing of Darwin in February 1942.
George took on the onerous role of Secretary of the Newtown RLFC in 1951 during a very financially troubled time for the club and succeeded in steering the club back into organisational stability. He remained as secretary until 1959 before stepping down and then served as Treasurer from 1968 through to the mid-1970's.
George was a Life Member of the club and was highly regarded for his administrative professionalism and integrity. He retained an interest in the club's fortunes in recent decades and was in attendance at the club's Centenary celebrations at the Newtown Town Hall on the 8th January 2008.
The Newtown RLFC extends sincere condolences to the family of the late George Debnam on his passing.