Pictured: Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce, unveils interpretive signage honouring late local nurse, Nancy Richmond, at the playground recently named in her honour, joined by fellow Councillors Diedree Steinwall and Greg McLean OAM and members of the Richmond family.
MEDIA RELEASE - Care and commitment of local nurse honoured at Engadine Town Park
Generations of Sutherland Shire residents whose lives have been touched by one of the region’s best loved and longest serving nurses will have pause to reflect on the life and legacy of the late Nancy Richmond, otherwise known as Matron Nancy Taafe, as they visit a playground recently named in her honour.
At Council’s recent naming ceremony of the Nancy Richmond Playground – a popular feature of the Engadine Town Park – members of the extended Richmond family joined together with Council staff to pay tribute to Nancy’s career and connection with the area.
Nancy was remembered as a significantly well respected and long-standing resident of the Sutherland Shire community, who had an unwavering dedication to her cause and delivered thousands of babies to Sutherland Shire families over five decades.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce, reflected on Nancy’s achievements and encouraged families who visit the park to take a moment to appreciate what Nancy achieved in her lifetime within her own community.
“As a young girl growing up here in Engadine, Nancy was deeply committed to her dream of becoming a nurse – and as we all know, she well and truly fulfilled her dream,” Mayor Pesce said.
“Though the naming of this playground in her honour we show our commitment to celebrating Nancy, and we will continue to celebrate the legacy she has left on our community right here in this playground.
“This playground is very popular with young families, who I’m sure will take a moment to reflect on Nancy’s connection with this area, and the many families she cared for during her lifetime.”
Nancy passed away in May 2020 and not only leaves behind a legacy in the Sutherland Shire community, but her memories will live on through her many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
As part of the official naming ceremony, members of the extended Richmond family were invited to join Mayor Pesce and local Ward Councillors Diedree Steinwall and Greg McLean in unveiling interpretive signage installed at the site which details the family’s strong connection with the area and the incredible contribution of Nancy in caring for generations of Sutherland Shire residents.
Sutherland Shire Council acknowledges that the names given to places and facilities represent their significance through a sense of history, identity, and connection between people and a place.
Council takes great care in considering suggestions for places and facilities, and values the feedback from residents when opportunities arise for naming proposals.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback during the community consultation phase, to ensure names which are adopted hold great importance for the community.