On Thursday 14 September we received an Excellence in Place Naming Award, for the Pauline Powell Walk located in Rye.
It is an honour to receive this award, further commemorating the late Pauline Powell OAM.
We originally received the request for a place name on 25 August 2021 from the Rye Historical Society and the Rye Community Group Alliance. It was accompanied with a significant number of letters of support.
An existing boardwalk in Rye has been named the Pauline Powell Walk. The naming was Gazetted on 8 June 2023.
Pauline's lifetime of community service included involvement with the Rye Girl Guides where she became the District Commissioner, part of the Rye Community Group Alliance, a highly active member of the Rye Historical Society, St John's Sorrento and St. Andrews, Rye Parish Council. She was also a valued member of the Order of Australia - Mornington Peninsula Group, a Rye Lioness and Rye Ladies Probus.
The award was received at the annual Victorian Geospatial Excellence awards dinner yesterday evening. Further information can be found on the Geospatial Council of Australia's website: geospatialcouncil.org.au
Pictured L-R: Pamela Vercoe (Mornington Peninsula Shire) and Rafe Benli (Department of Transport and Planning).
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Steve Holland:
"Pauline's memory and invaluable contribution to our community is immortal. This recognition is extremely special to both us and those who requested this recognition, including Rye Historical Society and the Rye Community Group Alliance."
Quote attributable to Nepean Ward Councillor Sarah Race:
"This award has a huge significance to me and I am deeply moved to witness a celebration of Pauline's contribution to the Rye community. I had the pleasure to get to know Pauline before I was a Councillor, through the Rye Community Action Group and her drive and spirit is something I won't forget. Pauline's place naming and consequential award is a wonderful celebration of gender equity, whilst also demonstrating that contributing to our local community actually means something."
Quote attributable to Nepean Ward Councillor Susan Bissinger:
"The contribution by Pauline to Rye is invaluable. I congratulate everyone involved in ensuring this wonderful place naming for Pauline was successful. This is an exciting moment demonstrating how important it is to support your surrounding community."
Excellence in Geographic Place Naming Victoria Award
