THE bridge over the Myall River on Bulahdelah Way will now officially be known as the Nan Syron Bridge.

The name change was approved at last month’s MidCoast Council meeting and honours well-known and respected local Aboriginal woman, Nan Syron.

Son Dennis, said Nan was treasured by everyone who knew her.

“Nan was a much loved and popular member of the community and she was admired by everyone,” Mr Syron said.

“We thought having the bridge renamed after her was a fitting tribute for such a loving person.”

Mr Syron said the Nan Syron Bridge will also honour the proud Aboriginal Heritage of the local area.

The process to rename the bridge started last year with a petition presented to Great Lakes Council by Len Roberts.

Mr Syron said 140 people had signed the petition in support of renaming the bridge.

“The local community were very supportive of the proposed name change,” Mr Syron said.

“They all said it was a fitting tribute to Nan.”

Eileen Syron, who was affectionately known as Nan Syron to both her family and community, was born in Stroud in 1911.

She married Robert Syron in 1927 and lived in Minimbar before moving to Bulahdelah.

Nan had 16 children, 42 grandchildren, 65 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

In addition to raising her own children, Nan Syron also had a very active role in the lives of her extended family.

Mr Syron said Nan put everyone before herself and all she cared about was other people’s happiness.

“Her doors, arms and heart were always open,” Mr Syron said.

“Anything that was given her she would immediately pass onto somebody else to try and make them happy.”

Mr Syron told News Of The Area MidCoast Council were currently in the process of creating the new signs for the Nan Syron Bridge.

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN