The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Blacktown City Council to name two reserves as George Nicolaidis Park and John Kinsela Park.
The first reserve is located off Brussels Crescent in the suburb of Rooty Hill and seeks to commemorate George Nicolaidis OAM, who was a passionate advocate for the growth and progress of the Mount Druitt and Rooty Hill areas.
George Nicolaidis was elected as an Independent Councillor to Blacktown Municipal Council in 1964 and served continuously for 32 years. George was a member of the Mount Druitt Historical Society, Blacktown Historical Society, the Mount Druitt Progress Association, and the Mount Druitt Hall committee. He was also the Secretary of the Rooty Hill Progress Association and the Plumpton Progress Association for 34 years.
Additionally, he served as Mayor of Blacktown Municipal Council between the years of 1974 to 1976.
In 2013, George was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his service to the community of Blacktown and was honoured with the Key to Blacktown, the City’s highest honour for service in 2022.
The second reserve extends from Kildare Road to Balmoral Street, in the suburb of Blacktown and seeks to commemorate John Francis Kinsela OAM. John Kinsela was Australia’s first Aboriginal dual Olympian and a proud Wiradjuri and Jawoyn descendent. He represented Australia in the 1968 Olympics held in Mexico, and in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich as a flyweight freestyle wrestler. John served in the Australian Army in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971 as a gunner in the 4th Field Regiment 106 Battery of the Royal Australian Artillery. In 1978, he re-enlisted in the Army Reserves and became a Corporal in the Commando Unit. In 1981 he was awarded the Commando of the Year, before retiring in 1984. John Kinsela was a respected resident of Blacktown City and was actively involved in wrestling for most of his life, serving on the board of Wrestling NSW. John was a mentor to young wrestlers at the Mount Druitt Police Citizens Youth Club where he was known as ‘Uncle John’. In 2017 John was honoured with the Order of Australia medal, in recognition of his service to wrestling and youth. GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed names. 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 5 May 2024.
Quotes to be attributed to NSW Surveyor-General Narelle Underwood:
“Names are not just labels; they tell the stories of their community, and it is important that they reflect the character and history of the local area.”
“Community consultation on the proposed names is an important step to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback and ensures that each voice has a chance to contribute.”
