The Geographical Names Board is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Uralla Shire Council to rename a reserve in the suburb of Uralla as Sunny Jim Mackay Park.
Acting Chair of the Geographical Names Board Thomas Grinter said the Board was now seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed name.
“We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed name to ensure it preserves history and resonates with the local community,” Mr Grinter said.
“The proposed name will honour local cricketer James Rainey Munro Mackay (1880-1953) who was known as Sunny Jim, due to his cheerful disposition.
“Sunny Jim started his cricketing career in Uralla before representing NSW as right-hand batsman and was considered unlucky to miss the Australian tour to England in 1905.
“In 1907 he moved to South Africa to work and was in line to tour England on the South African team but was deemed ineligible as he had not spent long enough in the country.
“Later that year he suffered a tragic accident which affected his eyesight and cut short his dazzling cricket career. He returned to Sydney and later Uralla with his cheery disposition remaining until his death.”
The Uralla McCrossin’s Mill Museum hosts a permanent exhibition Best Batsman in the World: Sunny Jim Mackay.
The reserve is located on the corner of King and Maitland Streets in the suburb of Uralla and consists of an open sporting field with built infrastructure including toilets, exercise equipment, basketball court and skate park.
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.
Written submissions can also be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795. The closing date for submissions is 24 January 2022.
