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Baw Baw Shire Council invites the community to provide feedback on naming Noojee reserve 'Gladys Sanderson Park' in honor of local hero

Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on naming Noojee reserve 'Gladys Sanderson Park' to honor her bravery during the 1939 Black Friday bushfires. Submit feedback by 2 May 2025.

By news@gippsland - 1st April 2025 - Back to News

Baw Baw Shire Council is inviting the community to have their say on a proposal to name an unnamed reserve in Noojee 'Gladys Sanderson Park' after local hero Gladys Sanderson, whose selflessness and courage left a lasting mark on the town's history.

Please share your views on the naming proposal by completing the survey. Include reasons based on Naming Rules. Closes 2 May 2025

Bravery in crisis

On 13 January 1939, Noojee and much of Victoria were ravaged by one of the worst bushfires in the state's history - the devastating Black Friday bushfires. Amidst the chaos, Gladys Sanderson who was the town's assistant postmistress, remained at her post as the last person capable of operating Noojee telephone switchboard - it's only communication link.

She worked tirelessly, relaying urgent messages to isolated families and emergency responders until the post office itself was engulfed in flames and she was forced to flee for shelter in the La Trobe River.

Her extraordinary bravery was widely recognised, with her story making headlines from Warragul to London. In June 1940, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire for "gallantry and devotion to duty."

Naming park honorably

Now, in recognition of her heroic efforts and the countless lives she saved, the council is considering naming Noojee Streamside Reserve as 'Gladys Sanderson Park'. This location, maintained by Baw Baw Shire Council, is a significant public space featuring historical murals as well as a recently upgraded playground.

Council's Place Names Advisory Committee has endorsed the proposal, with written support from the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA) and Geographic Names Victoria. Before a final decision is made, council is seeking community feedback to ensure the name reflects the values and identity of Noojee.

Honor community hero

Mayor Cr Danny Goss encouraged residents to take the opportunity to provide their feedback during the consultation period. "Gladys Sanderson's incredible bravery and commitment to her community in the face of such devastation is a story that deserves to be remembered. Naming this reserve in her honour is a fitting tribute, ensuring future generations know of her heroism. I encourage all residents to share their views on this proposal," said Mayor Goss.

The community is encouraged to have their say by completing the online survey before 5pm on Friday, 2 May 2025. To have your say and help shape the future of this Noojee public space, visit Baw Baw Connect website.

Pictures from Baw Baw Connect website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com