The late Shirley Adams OAM name has finally been etched permanently into the streets of the town she loved so much.
At a small ceremony in the Clarence Valley Council chambers today, the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, handed Mrs Adams’ family a replica of a street sign that officially recognises the name of the street over the new Grafton bridge as Shirley Adams Way.
Signs on either side of the Balun Bindarray Bridge were uncovered during the ceremony so the family could drive across the new bridge and see them in place.
The road was originally called Shirley Way but the family and Clarence Valley Council believed without using Shirley Adams’ full name, people might not associate the road name with the woman who was so loved by her community.
Mrs Adams was the first and only female Mayor of Grafton City Council in 145 years, before its amalgamation in 2004, a former Jacaranda Queen, Jacaranda Festival President in 1976 and 1977, a Jacaranda Festival Life Member and was deeply involved in NSW Girl Guides, the United Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, the Clarence River Historical Society, Country Women’s Association, and many other organisations.
Shirley Adams OAM was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1989.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“It gives me great pleasure to have been part of the move to ensure Shirley Adams is recognised fully in the community she worked so hard for, for so many years.
“Ensuring the road across the new Grafton Bridge is part of that recognition has taken time and effort. I thank everyone involved all for their hard work and look forward to their enjoyment of this recognition for years to come.”
Clarence Valley Council General Manager Laura Black said:
“Clarence Valley Council welcomes the renaming of Shirley Way to Shirley Adams Way.
“Council has been working for many years to see this the stretch of roadway named ‘Shirley Adams Way’ and appreciates the efforts of Transport for NSW and Minister Aitchison to make this a reality.”
Virginia Lambert, daughter of Shirley Adams OAM said:
“At heart, my mother was the quintessential public servant who listened to and acted on the expressed concerns and needs of those who came to her.
“I know she believed a life of service was a calling; a way to live with purpose, which she did so admirably.
“We hope that Shirley’s documented verve for life and her exemplary service will continue to inspire and ‘lead the way’ for future generations; especially for women.”
