Federal Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander, says he has made representations to the Premier for NSW, Chris Minns, over the name of the aerotropolis at Western Sydney International airport.
Dr Freelander is calling on the NSW Government to rename the aerotropolis to Bashir, in honour of the late Dame Marie Bashir, the first female Governor of NSW, who recently passed away.
The Macarthur MP points out that before her “noble and commendable service as the 37th Governor of NSW for 14 years from 2001 to 2014’’, Dame Marie provided distinguished public health support through her work as child psychiatrist.
In 2021, the then Berejiklian NSW Government announced the aeotropolis would be named Bradfield, after Dr John Bradfield, the chief engineer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Dr Freelander says he acknowledges that Dr Bradfield was a remarkable engineer and has left a tremendous mark on our state.
However, Dr Bradfield already has several accolades, included but not limited to, the Bradfield Highway, the electorate of Bradfield and Bradfield Senior College.
Thus, it would be only fitting that the aerotropolis be renamed to Bashir, as it reflects the important contribution both the region and its proposed namesake have given to NSW, he says.
Also, he points out that since Western Sydney International airport is named after another significant female leader, the late Nancy Bird Walton, Dr Freelander believes it is appropriate to rename Bradfield to Bashir to reflect Dame Marie’s similar level of influence.
“Dame Marie was an ornament of our State, who lived a life of service,’’ he says.
“From her incredible work as a child psychiatrist to being the first female Governor of NSW from 2001 to 2014, Dame Marie was a remarkable person.
“I have made these representations to the NSW Government as I believe Dame Marie’s significant contribution to our State should be recognised for many generations to come, and so renaming this area of the aerotropolis to Bashir would achieve this,” Dr Freelander said.
Time will tell if Dr Freelander’s call will lead to anything, but it’s worth pointing out that a previous campaign to dump Bradfield and name the aerotropolis Burragorang fell on deaf ears.
If it were to be changed it would have to be done as soon as possible, because the Bradfield name is being rapidly embedded, including on road signs.