Top citizens revered with new place names
Explore Councils by state
Two long-time Northern Beaches residents have been paid tribute with places symbolising each of their life’s commitment being named in their honour.
Six newly-renovated Forestville Netball Courts have been named after Margaret Cliff OAM, and the ocean lookout at the Observation Point on the Palm Beach Walkway named after the late Herminie Swainston.
After extensive community consultation, Council endorsed the naming of the two locations to acknowledge the significant contributions both women have made to the community.
Warriewood resident Margaret Cliff OAM is one of the most prominent figures in netball on the Northern Beaches. She has been a volunteer since 1973, is a life member of the Forest Netball Club and Manly-Warringah Netball Association.
Mrs Cliff was awarded an Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and received an Order of Australia Medal in June 2020 for services to netball.
The late Herminie Swainston lived in Palm Beach for over 60 years and was active in the development of the Bible Gardens and Palm Beach Walkway, a portion of which that will now bear her name – ‘Herminie’s Landing.’
A passionate advocate for the natural environment, Mrs Swainston grew up in Palm Beach in a house overlooking Observation Point.
She was a well-known, long-time resident of Palm Beach where she gave a lifetime of service to the preservation of the natural landscape and public spaces in Palm Beach.
Public art in recognition of Mrs Swainston contribution to the community will be erected on the Palm Beach walkway.