PORT Stephens Council will formally recognise the late Councillor and Freeman of Port Stephens, Geoff Dingle, with the naming of a reserve in Medowie in his honour.

Geoff Dingle was a long term resident of Medowie and served on Port Stephens Council for fourteen years.

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Mr Dingle passed away in December 2019 after a long battle with cancer.

He was 69 years old.

Acting Mayor Giacomo Arnott said Mr Dingle was a highly respected Councillor who dedicated much of his life to his local community.

“The future Geoff Dingle reserve on Ferodale Rd will be central to tying Medowie’s CBD together,” Cr Arnott said.

“Medowie has a bright future ahead and I’m pleased to be part of a Council that is pushing ahead to make Medowie a better place to live and visit.

“Geoff was both a friend and mentor who I know dedicated a huge amount of time to his local community.”

Along with representing the residents of Central Ward for fourteen years, Geoff was an active member of Scouts, a board member with the Hunter Regional Botanic Gardens, member of the Hunter New England Health Advisory Panel, Chair of the Koala Plan of Management Committee and member of Medowie Sports Council

The Geoff Dingle Reserve will be located at 38 Ferodale Road, Medowie, which was recently purchased by Council for mixed residential and recreational use.

Central Ward Councillor Jason Wells said Mr Dingle lived in Medowie for more than 40 years with his wife Libby and their family.

“Geoff Dingle worked hard to get the best for his community.

“He watched Medowie grow from a small rural community to where it is today,” Councillor Wells said.

“The purchase of this land by Council is a key driver of the Medowie Place Plan and will be a catalyst for new development and growth in Medowie.

“It will help connect our residents to new recreation facilities and expand our town centre to cater for the growth of our community.

“Naming this important precinct after Geoff is a fitting tribute to a respected member of our community,” he said.

Mr Dingle’s wife Libby attended last week’s Council meeting to witness the dedication.

“Geoff loved Medowie and his community.

“He also loved volunteering and he held a firm belief there is no better reward in life than to freely volunteer in support of the community,” Mrs Dingle said.

“I know my family and I are incredibly proud of Geoff and what he achieved for Medowie.

“We would like to thank Acting Mayor Arnott, Councillors, and Port Stephens Council for recognising Geoff’s achievements and dedicating this park in his name,” she added.

Council will make a formal submission to the Geographical Names Board to name the recreational precinct at 38 Ferodale Road, Medowie as the Geoff Dingle Reserve.

By Marian SAMPSON