The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Penrith City Council to name a reserve in the suburb of Jamisontown as Max Baker Reserve.
Acting Chair of the GNB Thomas Grinter said the proposal to name Max Barker Reserve would commemorate Mr Baker's contribution to Penrith as a long-time resident and former employee of the city council.
"It is important place names reflect the character and history of the local area and community," Mr Grinter said.
"We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed name."
Mr Baker was born in Penrith on 10 June 1930 where he lived his entire life and made significant contributions to the city as an employee of the city council for 40 years.
Mr Baker joined Penrith City Council in 1949 as a junior clerk at just 19 years old and within 10 years worked his way up to chief accountant.
When Mr Baker started to work at Council, Penrith had a population of 15,000. By the time he retired the city was home to 160,000 people.
Mr Baker oversaw a great change in financial management systems across four decades and helped build the organisational culture and discipline which underlies Council's continued financial sustainability.
Mr Baker helped Council build an impressive portfolio of assets and, among other projects, enabled financial programs to fund the current Civic Centre building and the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. Mr Baker passed away on 26 June 2021.
GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed name. Suggestions for alternative names are not being sought at this time.
Details of the proposal can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board's website: https://www.gnb.nsw.gov.au/.
Alternatively, written submissions may be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795.
The closing date for submissions is 22 August 2022.
