QUAMBATOOK stalwart Norma Bennett will have a laneway named in her honour.
The currently unnamed track between the town’s bowling and lawn tennis clubs will now be known as Norma Way in recognition of her contribution to the community, after a request from Quambatook Community Development Association
“Norma Bennett, who died in 2021, was instrumental in supporting or founding many of Quambatook’s community groups,” Shire of Gannawarra Mayor Cr Garner Smith said.
Mrs Bennett held life memberships with local lawn tennis club, the Quambatook Tractor Pull Association and Australian Tractor Puller’s Association.
She was also an active member of Quambatook Community Development Association, Quambatook Community Resource Centre, Quambatook Group School, Quambatook/Kerang VFF Branch, Mystic Park Landcare Group, Gannawarra Tourism Advisory Group, and the municipal Gannawarra Drought Advisory Committee.
Cr Smith said Mrs Bennett was also instrumental in advocating for a bunkhouse facility at Quambatook Caravan Park, with this building enabling seasonal workers, sporting groups, school groups and family groups to enjoy what Quambatook has to offer.
Council officers sought residents’ views regarding the proposal, resulting in 11 responses supporting the proposal and one objection.
The objection merely said “she deserves a more prominent position within the township, not down a dirt track out of sight to locals and visitors”.
The council was told at a recent ordinary meeting the request had been checked for compliance with the Naming Principles of the Naming rules for places in Victoria.
“Additionally, this commemorative naming will support the targets of The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 Gender equality and women’s empowerment,” a municipal report said.
The council made contact with living members of Mrs Bennett’s immediate family, and obtained their support and consent.
Cr Charlie Gillingham said he had the “pleasure” of knowing Mrs Bennett personally and through his role as a councillor.
“I played tennis against her,” he said. “She was a fantastic lady and this is appropriate recognition for her tireless work … a champion for Quambatook.”
“She was the driving force behind the tractor pull, the caravan park and tennis club. Involved in just about any and every event in the town.”
