Three locations across the peninsula will have new names following strong community support.

The locations include:

  • Naming the enclosed dog off-leash area at the northern end of Forestville War Memorial Playing Fields as Purple Poppy Park to recognise and commemorate the sacrifice animals made in wartime. 
  • Naming of the sandstone viewing area above the South Curl Curl Rockpool on Carrington Parade as the Brian Green Lookout. Mr. Green is recognised for the contribution he made to the community as Mayor/President of Warringah Council and during his tenure in local government.
  • Renaming Undercliff Reserve at the southern end of Freshwater Beach, Freshwater (including part of the popular walkway and stairs that form an important pedestrian connection between Freshwater and Queenscliff Beaches) to Irene Crump Reserve to honour the late local for her contribution to securing public ownership of the reserve and saving it from private development.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the community has spoken in support for naming these locations.

“It’s fitting to see such well utilised locations named in honour of some very important people and animals in our history to allow their legacy to live on.

“As legend has it, Ms Crump, who was also the Director of Harbord community Pre-School, stopped at nothing to save this beloved space so it could be retained for local children by climbing a large Moreton Bay fig tree and refusing to come down when contractors came in to start developing the site.

“Her bravery and dedication in fighting to protect the reserve for the benefit of the community for future generations is admirable.

“Mr. Green served the community in various roles  in the former Warringah Shire Council from 1980 to 1995 and was integral in the initiation and delivery of projects for our community including the initial concepts for this section of the coastal walkway.

“And we can’t forget about our four-legged companions. The purple poppy is worn alongside the traditional red poppy to remind us of the sacrifice animals made and continue to make.” Mayor Regan said.

With the endorsement of Irene Crump Reserve, Council will now contact the Geographical Names

Board of NSW (GNB) requesting the change to occur as the name or rename of reserves fall under their jurisdiction.  The GNB will also undertakes its own public notification period prior to considering the official assigning of the name.

If the GNB supports the renaming, Council will work with the Friends of Freshwater Inc and the Crump family on signage at the site.

As for Purple Poppy Park, Council will work with Forestville RSL sub-branch to install signage.

Council will also work with Mr Greens family on a plaque before installation at the location.

The naming of all three sites is in accordance with Council’s Naming our Reserves, Facilities and Roads Policy.