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Joy Cummings was Australia’s first female Lord Mayor and the Lord Mayor of Newcastle. She had many achievements during her time in office and left a tremendous legacy to the city after her death in 2003.
Joy Cummings was a politician for, and of, the people. Her genuineness, warmth and compassion for all citizens of Newcastle made her a popular Lord Mayor and much-loved member of the community. She was re-elected for three consecutive terms before she retired after a stroke in 1984.
Location
| Address: | 430 Hunter Street, In front of former Civic Station, Newcastle, 2300 |
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| State: | NSW |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -32.926859 Long: 151.772116 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Saturday 14th December, 2019 |
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| Approx. Monument Dedication Date: |
Joy Cummings
Plaque:
The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Newcastle 1974 -1984
Joy Cummings AM.
1923 - 2003
Known simply as Joy she was Australia`s first female Lord Mayor. A progressive leader, she achieved many firsts, being instrumental in having our anthem changed to the more inclusive "Australians all".
She had a deep affection and respect for our traditional Hunter custodians, and was the first to raise an Aboriginal flag on a public building.
She was a strong advocate of the arts and creative communities and the preservation of heritage buildings.
Growing up between harbour and beach, her vision was to marry a place of natural beauty with an industrial heart. Parks, gardens, wetlands, reserves and green streetscapes flourished under her stewardship.
A consensus politician, respectful of all views, her dedication to this city was rewarded with the abiding affection of its people. Her decade in office was transformative.
Sculptor - Margot Stephens 2019
Officially unveiled by Cr Nuatali Nelmes Lord Mayor City of Newcastle on this day 14 December 2019
