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Kelly Koochew was honoured at Warragul new park, named to celebrate her impactful community legacy

Beloved Baw Baw Shire resident Kelly Koochew was honoured at a park opening ceremony in Warragul. Kelly Koochew Park, named by council, recognizes her significant community contributions and legacy.

By news@gippsland - 9th September 2024 - Back to News

Beloved late Baw Baw Shire resident and community activist Kelly Koochew has been formally honoured in a park opening ceremony that took place yesterday in Warragul. Kelly Koochew Park, located at 2 Stroke Street in Warragul's Waterford Rise estate, was officially opened by Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe, members of Kelly's family including husband Nick Rowe and their three daughters Issie, Lola and Zoe, Members of council's Place Names Advisory Committee and council Officers.

Kelly Koochew Park at 2 Stoke Street, Warragul, was officially opened by Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe, council members and Kelly's family, including husband Nick Rowe and their three daughters Issie, Lola and Zoe

Kelly's lasting legacy

Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe officiated the ceremony stating that Kelly left a meaningful and lasting legacy in Baw Baw. "Council is proud to name this park in Kelly's honour, a widely respected woman who gave so much back to her community and family throughout her life. When the council was presented with the opportunity to honour Kelly, it was our way to acknowledge everything she did for Warragul and the wider Baw Baw community."

"Kelly proudly served her community as a founding member of Women in Gippsland and Warragul Farmers Market and a Baw Baw Food Movement committee member. We acknowledge the endless pursuit that Kelly and the Women in Gippsland team embark on to bring equality, opportunity and recognition to other remarkable women in our region."

"Beyond her many community and professional achievements, she was a beloved wife, mother, daughter and friend. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kelly's family for their support and collaboration with council throughout the place naming process. We are thankful for this opportunity to honour Kelly in our community and demonstrate our gratitude for her community spirit, generosity of time and selflessness," said the Mayor.

Park named Kelly

Kelly's father, Ian Koochew also spoke at the naming ceremony sharing memories and detailing numerous ways that Kelly impacted the community throughout her life. The Mayor together with members of Kelly's family helped to officially unveil the new park sign which will now be permanently displayed at the entrance of the park.

Council is responsible for the naming and renaming of publicly owned roads, parks, features and localities throughout the Shire. The decision to name the park in Kelly's honour was endorsed by Baw Baw Shire Council in March 2024 in accordance with Geographic Names Victoria's Place Naming Rules.

Pictures from Baw Baw Connect website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com