Sandon Point park naming

THE community is invited to have their say on a proposal to name a specific section of Sandon Point Reserve after the founding President of the Sandon Point Board Riders’ Club, Paul Mason Jones.

Paul Mason Jones, A.K.A.“Jinxy”, was also a past President of the Southern Pacific Board Riders’ Club, and it was his dream to restore the headland at Sandon Point. Paul was tragically killed in a trucking accident in 1979 at the age of 27, and at the time, his passing stimulated a strong community desire to honour his life and contribution to the local community. A four-year project was independently funded and undertaken by local volunteers to remediate and enhance the existing headland incorporating the relocation of the car park to its current position, with minimal Council assistance.

The Paul Mason Jones Reserve Committee submitted an application to Council to name part of Sandon Point Reserve after Paul, under the Community Recognition Program. When it adopted the Sandon Point Plan of Management in 2015, Council committed to exhibit a proposal that identifies a specific section of the reserve to be named after him. The proposal identifies two lots to be named (Lots 7 and 8 DP 7813 Blackall Street, Bulli), which are outside of the declared Sandon Point Aboriginal Place.

“We’d like to hear what the community thinks about this proposal, so that we can share this feedback with the Geographical Names Board. They make the final decision about whether or not the naming goes ahead, so it’s important for people to let us know whether or not they support it,” Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.

Interested community members are invited to drop in to Council’s on-site kiosk at Sandon Point Reserve on Saturday June 18 between 9am and 11am, to speak with staff about the proposal and provide feedback. In the event of inclement weather, the kiosk will be moved inside the Sandon Point Surf Life Saving Club.

For more information or other ways to have your say, visit Thirroul Library, www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au or phone Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4227 7111.  All feedback must be received by 5pm on Monday July 4.