Mayor to push for park to honour Lance Ferris
PICTURE: Ballina Mayor Phillip Silver speaking at last week’s memorial service for Lance Ferris.
Ballina Mayor Phillip Silver will push for Fawcett Park to be renamed Lance Ferris Park, in memory of the founder of Australian Seabird Rescue who died suddenly on October 14, aged 60.
Lance became known as the Pelican Man for the work he did in saving marine life.
Cr Silver’s Mayoral Minute to go befoe tomorrow’s ordinary council meeting says: “The land in question, which is designated Council operational land, was developed into a park in 2004.
“At that time, a naming competition was held with a widespread of responses. Whilst Lance Ferris Park was one of the nominations, it is not practice to name places after people who are living.
“Ultimately the name Fawcett Park was adopted, largely because it was adjacent to Fawcett Street.
“The park” has become exceedingly popular and in many ways represents the new style of Ballina with its orientation to the Richmond River.
“Communities need role models and I believe that the enthusiasm, strength of character and care for native animals and the environment, practised by the recently deceased Mr Lance Ferris, provides such a role model.
“The synergies between the new park and the life and work of Mr Lance Ferris are very strong. The family of Mr Ferris has indicated their support for the proposal.
“I recommend the motion to you: That Council resolve to rename the area of land currently known as Fawcett Park to Lance Ferris Park.”
UPDATE: Ballina Shire Council approved the renaming at the October council meeting.
October 26th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
I wholeheartedly agree that Fawcett Park should be re-named to honour the life and work of Lance Ferris, but would suggest that it be called the Lance Ferris Memorial [ASR] Park. I know that this is a bit long but I feel that it does justice to his memory