The Geographical Names Board is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Hornsby Shire Council to name a sportsground in the suburb of Brooklyn as Tom Richmond Oval.
Chair of the Geographical Names Board Narelle Underwood said Mr Richmond had a life-long connection with the Hornsby Shire and deep connections with the Brooklyn community.
“It is important when commemorating a person through place naming, that they have had a long term association with the area, or have made a significant contribution to the area,” Mrs Underwood said.
“We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed name.”
Mr Richmond was a devoted teacher, an accomplished historian, active in community affairs and a sportsman of considerable note. He was a life member of both the Northern Districts Cricket Club and the Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai and Hills District Cricket Club.
Mr Richmond had a 50-year career of continuous involvement in cricket coaching, ranging through various school teams, club teams and inter-district club representative teams.
In 2002, Mr Richmond was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to youth through education and cricket and for researching the history of Hornsby. He passed away on 14 September 2021.
Mrs Underwood said the Board was encouraging community comment before it considered the proposal.
GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed name. Suggestions for alternative names are 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 6 January 2023.
