A NUMBER of local community groups have got behind a proposal to change the name of the Winda Woppa Reserve at Hawks Nest.

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Led by members of the Myall Koala and Environment Group, the proposal would see the reserve re-named ‘The Randle and Pat Pritchard Memorial Reserve’.

Randle and Pat Pritchard moved to The Anchorage in 1968 and were instrumental in the establishment of the current reserve.

They were the driving force in the then Jimmy’s Beach Restoration Society, now Winda Woppa Association and helped in the construction of the lagoon boardwalk.

The Pritchards were also inaugural members of the Myall Koala and Environment Group.

Sadly, Randle passed away in 2002, and Pat died at age 95 in February of this year.

Right up until her death, Pat was an active member of numerous community groups in Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens including St Andrew’s Anglican Church, Myall Community Arts and Crafts Centre, Galleries in the Gardens, U3A Art Group, the Thursday Walkers, Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association, Croquet Club and, of course, the Koala Group.

In his proposal to MidCoast Council, the Koala Group’s Secretary, Ian Morphett said, “I have approached and received support for this nomination from the entire Pritchard family, the Winda Woppa Association (including their longest-serving President, Peter Street), the Jimmy’s Beach Preservation Association and the Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens Progress Association.”

Richard Streamer from the Jimmy’s Beach Preservation Association said, “The change of name of the reserve is supported by JBPA and we have sent a supporting letter to council in this regard.”

The Koala Group will also cover the cost of signage.

By: Margie TIERNEY