Maitland’s forgotten world war one veteran, Victoria Cross recipient Joseph Maxwell, could have a long-awaited Gillieston Heights playground named in his honour.
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Property developer Stockland and Maitland City Council have reached an agreement on the Darcy’s Peak playground construction which is expected to be formally approved tomorrow night.
All new playgrounds need a name and council has found no reason to not call it Joseph Maxwell VC Park.
“We’re looking forward to completing this park and playground and hope it gives residents and visitors many years of fun and enjoyment,” Stockland residential regional manager Stephen Barlow said.
Stockland has paid $480,726 in recreational contributions to council at Gillieston Heights for the right to develop land but will receive a $200,000 refund when it completes the playground under the terms of a works in kind agreement.
Councillors will review the terms of the agreement tomorrow night when it is expected to meet their approval.
The councillors will also consider the proposed name which the Geographical Names Board of NSW has final say over.
Stockland proposed the name on Maitland RSL’s behalf.
Maxwell, born in Sydney, later lived at Gillieston Heights where he attended school. He lived at West Maitland when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces on February 8, 1915.
In just over 12 months of action Maxwell was awarded the distinguished conduct medal, the Military Cross, a bar to his Military Cross, and the Victoria Cross.
“The RSL supports the naming process as it is important to remember one of our local young men, who attained the highest military honour, the Victoria Cross,” Maitland RSL president Eric Bell said.
