NARRANDERA's leading lady, former NSW Governor Dame Marie Bashir, will have the town's major park renamed in her honour.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Narrandera City Council will set aside $44, 825 for the renaming.
Dame Marie, who grew up in Narrandera, was NSW Governor for 13 years.
She began her tenure in 2001 and left office on October 1 this year.
Dame Marie visited Narrandera during one of her final official visits.
At the time Dame Marie described her tenure as one filled with great moments.
"One of the proudest achievements is to have seen young Aboriginal people have access to health and education," Dame Marie said.
"It's vital in all our sectors of our society and is elevating our nation.
"It's a never ending journey of wonder."
As well as receiving a new name the park will undergo an impressive upgrade, with $36,825 dedicated to the beautification of the area.
This will include a revitalised entry, new pavers and an art sculpture engraved with key quotes from Dame Marie.
The remaining $8000 will be spent on the launch of the event.
Some Councillors have criticised the big spend calling it extravagant.
Cr Jim Howard said he believed Dame Marie would be embarrassed by amount of money spent on the redevelopment and said it should be simplified.
He suggested keeping current signage and cleaning up existing pavers instead of replacing them.
He agreed the park should be named in Dame Marie's honour.
In October her spoke highly of Dame Marie.
"Everyone talks about Marie as a Narrandera lady," Cr Howard said.
"What she's achieved is phenomenal and she treats us as family."
The launch, which will involve the entire community, is expected to take place in September 2015 so as not to interfere with other events including Anzac centenary memorials in April.
In conjunction with The Narrandera Argus
