The Geographical Names Board is calling for community feedback on a proposal by Hornsby Shire Council to rename a reserve in Thornleigh.
Chair of the Geographical Names Board Narelle Underwood said feedback is being sought on the proposal to name the site running parallel to Dawson Avenue in the suburb of Thornleigh as Jane Starkey Park.
The reserve is currently known as the Dawson Avenue Park.
“It is important that place names reflect the character and history of the local area and community,” Mrs Underwood said.
“We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed name.”
The proposed name commemorates local nurse Jane Starkey for her welfare work with women and children in the early 1900s.
Nurse Starkey owned a cottage at 22 Bellevue Street, Thornleigh that was used for inner city children to experience a day in the ‘country’.
Starkey also began the foundation of the Civil Ambulance Transport Corps of the St John Brigade, which was the first recognised ambulance service in NSW.
With the assistance of a local doctor, Nurse Starkey formed an ambulance education class in Hornsby in connection with St John’s Ambulance, which was well supported by the local women.
In 1920 she was decorated for valuable services rendered as a member of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade at Government House in Sydney.
Full details of the proposal can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website.
