The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is seeking community feedback on a proposal by City of Parramatta Council to name a reserve in the suburb of Beecroft as Finch Reserve. Chair of the Geographical Names Board Narelle Underwood said feedback is being sought on the proposal to name Finch Reserve to acknowledge the contributions of the Finch family. The name Finch Reserve acknowledges the Finch family and their contribution to the Carlingford and Beecroft area. The Finch family were pioneers in the area. Desmond Finch and his brother Bruce Finch worked to produce crops for the Sydney market in the early 1920s. Desmond enlisted in the Army in 1939 and served in the Middle East, Greece, Crete, Syria and Australia. He helped establish the 2nd West Epping Scout Group in 1958. The brothers also supported the Epping Local Junior Farmers Group in the 1960s. Desmond passed away on 14 September 1990 and Bruce passed away on 15 November 2002. The reserve runs between Orchard Road and Roselea Public School in the suburb of Beecroft, City of Parramatta Local Government Area. GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed name. Suggestions for alternative names is not being sought at this time. Details of the proposal can be viewed, and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website. Alternatively, written submissions may be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795.
The closing date for submissions is 18 May 2023.
Quotes to be attributed to Chair of the Geographical Names Board Narelle Underwood
“We want to give everyone an opportunity to be heard and provide their feedback on this proposed name.” “It is important place names reflect the character and history of the local area and community.”
