The Federal Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander MP, has made representations to the Premier for NSW, the Hon. Chris Minns MP, calling for the aerotropolis to be renamed.
Specifically, 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.
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.
However, in 2021, the then Berejiklian NSW Government announced this region would be named Bradfield, after Dr John Bradfield.
Whilst Dr Freelander acknowledges that Dr Bradfield was a remarkable engineer and has left a tremendous mark on our state, he is of the belief that 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 region be renamed to Bashir, as it reflects the important contribution both the region and its proposed namesake have given to NSW.
Further, as Western Sydney Airport is named after another significant female leader, the late Nancy Bird Walton, Dr Freelander believes it is appropriate to rename Bradfield to Bashir reflect Dame Marie’s similar level of influence.
Quotes attributable to Dr Mike Freelander MP, Federal Member for Macarthur:
“Dame Marie was an ornament of our State, who lived a life of service.
“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.
