Wear red for Campo

FRIENDS and family Sof Paul ‘Campo’ Campton are being encouraged to wear red or their favourite football jersey to his funeral on Thursday July 31, in a heartfelt tribute to the much-loved local and lifelong St George Dragons supporter.

The service will be held at St Kevin’s Catholic Church in Bangalow at 11.30am, followed by a celebration of life at the Bangalow Bowlo.

His daughter, Marlie Campton, said her father’s passion for the Dragons ran deep, and she’s asked those attending to honour his memory by wearing red or sporting the jersey of their favourite team.

Paul Campton, 64, died earlier this month following a hit-and-run incident on Raftons Rd in Bangalow. He was found with critical injuries around 3.30am outside the Bangalow Community Children’s Centre. Despite the efforts of NSW Ambulance paramedics, he died at the scene.

A long-time supporter of the Bangalow Rebels rugby club, Campton was honoured last Saturday with a minute of clapping before every seniors’ match at Shultz Oval, where he often watched his daughter play. Players also wore black armbands in tribute.

In response to the tragedy, local resident Yvette Gregory has launched a petition urging Byron Shire Council to improve safety infrastructure along Keith St and Raftons Rd, which are commonly used as bypass routes for Lismore Rd.

Proposed measures include a footpath, street lighting, speed humps, a pedestrian crossing outside the Bangalow Community Children’s Centre and a roundabout at the intersection of Keith St, Raftons Rd and Leslie St.

Anyone registered on the Byron Shire electoral roll can sign the petition at several local businesses, including Bangalow Hotel, The Cellar Bangalow and Woods Café.

Meanwhile, NSW Police are urging anyone with information — especially CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage from the area at the time of the incident — to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or visit nsw.crimestoppers.com.au