The Geographical Names Board is seeking community feedback on a proposal from Byron Shire Council to name a reserve in the suburb of Suffolk Park as Linda Vidler Park.

Chair of the Geographical Names Board Narelle Underwood said feedback is being sought on the proposal to name Linda Vidler Park.

The reserve is located on Beech Drive, opposite Coogera Circuit, in the suburb of Suffolk Park.

The proposed name seeks to commemorate a prominent local citizen – Linda Vidler (1938 – 2009).

Through the Native Title process, Linda and her sisters undertook to negotiate for the preservation of sites of significance in Byron Bay that were under threat of development.

What transpired was the creation of three Arakwal Indigenous Land Use Agreements, Co-management of Arakwal National Park and Cape Byron Trust, and freehold title to lands for the Arakwal people.

The creation of Arakwal National Park was recognised internationally as an effective model to resolve native title claims and honoured by an award from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Mrs Underwood said the board is encouraging community comment before it considers the proposal.

“It is important that place names reflect the character and history of the local area and community,” Mrs Underwood said.

“We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed name.”

Details of the proposal can also be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website.

Alternatively, email submissions can be sent to ss-gnb@customerservice.nsw.gov.au or written submissions may be lodged with the Secretary Geographical Names Board 346 Panorama Avenue Bathurst NSW 2795.

The closing date for submissions is 10 July 2020.