‘AUNTY Shirl’ Shirley O’Brien was a stalwart of the Anna Bay Community and her contribution to the region went far beyond serving the community as a Councillor.

Simply put Shirley O’Brien served her community and was keen to see it better connected.

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She has been honoured for her services to the community of Port Stephens and Anna Bay by having the pathway which connects Nelson Bay Road to James Patterson Street providing a safe and vital link to the Seawind Over 50’s Village to the township.

Shirley O’Brien passed away in October 2019 and has been remembered as a passionate community member who served on Council from 2008 to 2012.

Mayor Ryan Palmer officially opened the Shirley O’Brien Path, which runs along Gan Gan Road from Nelson Bay Road to James Patterson Street, at a small ceremony attended by passionate Anna Bay locals.

The proposal to name the pathway came from Aunty Shirl’s community and was made possible by Councillor Chris Doohan’s actions.

‘Aunty Shirl’, was known as a strong advocate for this pathway to better connect the villages near Nelson Bay Road to the town centre.

Mayor Ryan Palmer said, “Shirley’s passing left a huge hole in the local community.

“She served her community as a Councillor, was a founding member of the Birubi Surf Life Saving Club and was actively involved in helping to make Anna Bay a better place.

“Naming this footpath on behalf of Shirley O’Brien is an honour and pleasure,” he said.

The legacy of Aunty Shirl lives on in the community of Anna Bay with many locals now driven to improve the township and to proudly put it on the map.

Members of the Anna Bay community turned out in force to be present to see their Aunty Shirl honoured.

By Marian SAMPSON