The Geographical Names Board is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Blacktown City Council to name four reserves in its Local Government Area (LGA).
Chair of the Geographical Names Board Narelle Underwood said feedback was being sought on the proposal to name the reserves Abdul Haq Reserve, Aurora Park, Gamarada Park and Hazeldean Park.
“It is important that place names reflect the character and history of the local area and community,” Mrs Underwood said.
“We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed names.” Abdul Haq Reserve is located off Aminta Crescent, Athens Avenue and Buckwell Drive, in the suburb of Hassall Grove.
The name commemorates Dr Abdul Haq who died on 28 August 2016.
Dr Haq helped many people in need and actively pursued the establishment of the Riverstone Cemetery for Muslim and the Quakers Hill Mosque.
Dr Abdul Haq was the co-founder of ‘Good morning Bangladesh’ which became an important social event for the Sydney Bangladeshi community.
The event joined forces with Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, raising more than $150,000 for the NSW Cancer Council from 2001 to 2016.
Aurora Park is bound by Eclipse Street, Beacon Drive and Arilla Close in the suburb of Schofields.
The name Aurora, commonly known as the polar lights, is in keeping with the surrounding road names, many of which are associated with astronomy.
Gamarada Park is south of Northbourne Public School bound by Enmore Street, Donnelly Street and Northbourne Drive in the suburb of Marsden Park. Gamarada means ‘friend’ in the local Aboriginal Dharug language.
Hazeldean Park is bound by Ellam Drive and Amazon Road, in the suburb of Seven Hills. The reserve is located on land purchased by William Piper on 16 May 1887 with the farm was known as Hazeldean.
The farm had many connections within the district including Hazeldean Honey. GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed names. 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 13 January 2023.
