Baw Baw Shire Council has celebrated the official opening of the Gladys Sanderson Park in Noojee yesterday.
On 13 January 1939, Noojee and much of Victoria were ravaged by one of the worst bushfires in the state’s history – the devastating Black Friday bushfires. Amidst the chaos, Gladys Sanderson, who was the town’s assistant postmistress, remained at her post as the last person capable of operating Noojee’s telephone switchboard – its only communication link.
She worked tirelessly, relaying urgent messages to isolated families and emergency responders until the post office itself was engulfed in flames and she was forced to flee for shelter in the La Trobe River.
Her extraordinary bravery was widely recognised, with her story making headlines from Warragul to London. In June 1940, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire for “gallantry and devotion to duty.”
Now, in recognition of her heroic efforts and the countless lives she saved, Council has named the reserve ‘Gladys Sanderson Park’.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Councillor Kate Wilson said Council recognised the impact of the Black Friday fires and the Noojee community’s resilience to recover and regrow.
“We are so proud to officially recognise the bravery and selflessness of Gladys Sanderson,” Cr Wilson said.
“The naming of features provides the opportunity for celebrating achievements, remembering the past and preserving history. It is our hope that this story continues to be told for generations to come and is remembered by Noojee residents and visitors alike.”
A formal naming proposal for the previously unnamed reserve, was presented to Council for consideration, with Council unanimously endorsed the naming proposal.
A permanent display dedicated to Gladys Sanderson is now on display at the Noojee Heritage Railway Station precinct thanks to the Noojee and District Historical Society.
Gladys Sanderson Park is located at 22 Bennett Street in Noojee.
