The City of Bayswater has formally recognised its first-ever female Councillor, Nellie Fawdrey Tant, by naming a local park in her honour.
Ms Tant was also the second woman elected to local government in Western Australia.
Formerly known as The Strand Reserve, the shady pocket park located in Bayswater is now officially known as Nellie Tant Reserve, and features a commemorative plaque in honour of Ms Tant.
City of Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull, who raised the motion for the reserve naming at a Council meeting on 12 March 2019, said he was thrilled to see Ms Tant acknowledged for her historic significance.
“The commemorative naming of the reserve is a wonderful way to celebrate such an important milestone for women in WA history,” he said.
“We consulted the community on the naming and liaised with both Ms Tant’s family and the Bayswater Historical Society to gather information and ensure it was an appropriate way of honouring Ms Tant's significant political achievement.
“The City selected The Strand Reserve for the formal naming as it was not officially recognised by Landgate’s Geographic Names Committee.
“Although past public service in government is not typically considered grounds for a commemorative naming request, Landgate representatives advised the City Ms Tant’s achievement was considered outstanding enough to warrant consideration.”
The City of Bayswater will officially open the renamed reserve on International Women’s Day, Monday 8 March with City Councillors, Ms Tant’s family and special guests.
Nellie Tant Reserve features a play space, seating areas and nature play, and is located on The Strand, across the road from Essex Street Reserve.
Ms Tant emigrated to Australia from England in 1914 and settled in Traylen Road in Bayswater. She was elected to the West Ward of the Bayswater Road Board, now known as the City of
Bayswater, on 9 April 1921.
To find out more about the renaming of the reserve and Nellie Tant’s story, visit the Engage Bayswater website.