Georges River Council has voted unanimously to proceed with the naming of four locations across the local government area as a tribute to two local legends of the area with a nod to local culture.
The facilities to be named are:
- “Norm Provan Grandstand” – the western grandstand at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
- “Pottery Lane” – the unnamed road which intersects Paterson Avenue and runs parallel to Kingsgrove Road, Kingsgrove.
- “Arthur Hardiman Reserve” – the public reserve located at Lots 100 and 106 DP 1252069 River Road, Oatley.
- “Ngunungi Playground” – the area designated for a playground in the public reserve.
Council says each name was chosen according to the Georges River Place Naming Policy for their connection to the unique history and culture of the area.
Georges River Council will now submit “Arthur Hardiman Reserve” to the NSW Geographical Names Board for review and gazettal, and assign the other three names directly.
“Council is committed to naming the roads, reserves, buildings, places and other geographical features of the area in ways that acknowledges our rich and diverse history,” said Georges River Mayor, Nick Katris.
“The new place names celebrate our local heritage, reflecting iconic places and faces of Georges River.
“These names are required to ensure clear way-finding around Georges River and are especially important for the quick response of emergency and other essential services.”
Norm Provan Grandstand at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
The name honours Rugby League Immortal Norm Provan who played for the St George Club. Provan passed away on 13 October 2021, leaving a legacy of outstanding achievements including: 11 successive St George Premierships from 1956 to 1966; Kangaroo Tour 1956 to 1957; NRL Player of the Year 1958; Grand Final Man of The Match 1957, 1958, 1963; Australian and NSW Team of the Century 2008; and named one of the 13 Rugby League Immortals 2018.
Pottery Lane
The name is derived from “Mashman Pottery Works”, a significant local landmark that was located in the area from 1910 to 2021, producing products for 100 years.
In the latter part of the twentieth century, Mashman Pottery was involved in the production of items required for heritage restoration projects, producing materials for Government House Parramatta, Parliament House in New Zealand and Kirribilli House, Sydney. Mashman’s was the last pottery in New South Wales to be using traditional methods.
Arthur Hardiman Reserve
The name honours Arthur Hardiman, a well-known Oatley resident, World War II veteran and contributor to the community. Hardiman enlisted with the RAAF in 1941, aged 21, and served until he was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Corporal. He raised significant funds for community groups such as the Red Cross and the Heart Foundation. Hardiman was elected to Kogarah Council in 1956 and served nine consecutive terms, once as Mayor. In 2003 he was awarded the Centenary Medal for Service to Local Government.
This name addresses Council’s place naming priority to acknowledge historically significant people and Council’s resolution to honour Australians who have served during war.
Ngunungi Playground (pronounced: noo-goo-noon-nee)
The name was recommended by local school students following a naming competition. Endorsed by Council’s Aboriginal Reference Group, the name comes from the Aboriginal word for the flying foxes that live in the area.
