Tribute has been paid to two Northern Beaches residents for their contribution to the area by having places named in their honour.
Six newly-renovated Forestville Netball Courts have been named after Ms Margaret Cliff OAM, and the ocean lookout at Observation Point on the Palm Beach Walkway has been named after the late Ms Herminie Swainston.
At this week’s Council meeting, Council endorsed the naming of the two locations to acknowledge the significant contributions both women have made to the Northern Beaches community.
Margaret Cliff
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, and received the Anne Clark Service Award by Netball NSW for her services to netball.
Ms Cliff was awarded an Australian Sports Medal in 2000 and received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in June 2020 for services to netball.
President of the Forest Netball Club Laurel Fisher said Margaret was a stalwart of netball at a grassroots level, devoting nearly half a century to the administration of the sport and to player and umpire development.
“If you look up the definition of a volunteer, I am sure you will find the words ‘Margaret Cliff’ firmly fixed in first place. Everything Margaret has accomplished and been involved with over the last 49 years has been as a volunteer,” she said.
“We are delighted to see Margaret honoured with this tribute, which she thoroughly deserves and will remain as a permanent reminder to current and future players of her selfless contribution to the sport and the community.
“When we spoke to Council about naming the court after Margaret they were reluctant because she wasn’t dead. Apparently it wasn’t Council’s policy to name things after living people. But we were insistent that the courts be named after her, and we weren’t going to shoot her,” laughed Ms Fisher.
Herminie Swainston
The late Ms Herminie Swainston lived in Palm Beach for over 60 years and was active in the development of the Bible Garden and Palm Beach Walkway. A portion of that walkway at Observation Point will now be known formally as ‘Herminie’s Landing’.
An avid advocate for the natural environment, Ms Swainston grew up in Palm Beach in a house overlooking Observation Point.
President of the Palm Beach & Whale Beach Association, Prof Richard West AM said she gave a lifetime of service to the preservation of the natural landscape and public spaces in Palm Beach.
“Herminie spent most of her 80 years working to preserve the natural environment of the peninsula for present and future generations. She was passionate about the natural world and worked hard for bush regeneration.
“She was particularly concerned to preserve our green spaces for the benefit of all and so it is fitting that this viewing platform and pedestrian rest area on the new walkway at Observation Point with its stunning views over Pittwater and its natural environment be named in recognition of her life’s work,” said Prof West.
Public art in recognition of Ms Swainston’s contribution to the community will be erected on the Palm Beach walkway.
Mayor Michael Regan said community feedback showed people favoured naming these landmarks to recognise individuals who had selflessly put so much back into their community.
“The heritage of place is linked closely to what we as individuals contribute to building a stronger community more connected to its history,” said Mayor Regan.
“Naming these two places after outstanding Northern Beaches citizens gives them our collective thanks for what they’ve done over a lifetime of giving.”
Images: Northern Beaches Advocate, supplied.
