An incredible life spent passionately fighting for the best interests of the Woronora community has been remembered today, with Sutherland Shire Council officially naming a local reserve in honour of one of the region’s most celebrated and civic-minded citizens.
The late Norm Dixon was honoured with the formal unveiling of a permanent tribute to his long legacy of community activism, with dozens of family members, friends and fellow Woronora residents joining Councillors and Council staff to formally unveil newly installed interpretive signage at what is now to be known as ‘Norm Dixon Reserve’.
Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce, said the naming of the reserve in honour of Mr Dixon served as a fitting tribute, with the site having been the subject of one of the most significant campaigns Mr Dixon and wife Betty had influenced over their many decades striving to preserve the natural beauty of the Woronora valley.
“When it comes to people who have left a lasting legacy on their local community, there are few who measure up to the incredible impact of Norm Dixon,” Mayor Pesce said.
“Norm, together with his wife Betty, had an unwavering passion for this area and for fighting to ensure that this stunning slice of the Sutherland Shire was protected for future generations to enjoy.
“In addition to his proud advocacy to preserve the local environment, Norm was passionate about giving back to the Woronora community through his keen involvement in a host of local service organisations, including serving as a member of Woronora Life Saving and River Patrol Club for an astonishing 83 years.
“Norm also served as a volunteer in the Woronora Bush Fire Brigade and was involved in Bushcare at Forbes Creek and Crescent Creek, serving as one of the foremost organisers for many of those years.
“There are so many people in the Sutherland Shire who give so generously of their time and expertise, volunteering to help make our community a better place. But you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who could boast such a storied record of community advocacy and service as Norm Dixon.
“I’m incredibly proud that Norm Dixon Reserve will now stand as a reminder to future generations of Norm’s tremendous contribution to the Woronora community, and of the enormous impact any of us can have when we get in and have a go.”
Among those in attendance at today’s ceremony was Norm’s daughter Clare Carroll, who paid tribute to her father’s legacy, highlighting the shared efforts of both Norm and Betty in advocating to preserve the land nestled in the centre of The Crescent, Woronora, which now bears Norm’s name.
“Dad lived opposite this reserve from the age of eight, and was instrumental in fighting to preserve this green space, opposing plans to extend a fire trail through what is now the reserve,” Ms Carroll said.
“Our family are incredibly proud that the legacy of both our parents has been recognised in this way, and to be able to bring our family together for this event almost exactly three years after Dad’s passing seems particularly fitting.”