Call to rename aerotropolis region after the late Dame Marie Bashir

Macarthur, MP, Dr Mike Freelander has reached out to the NSW Premier calling for the aerotropolis to be renamed in honour of Dame Marie Bashir who passed away January 20, 2026 at the age of 95.

Dame Marie Bashir was the 37th Governor of NSW for 14 years from 2001-2014 and as Dr Freelander described "...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... 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 before service Dame Marie provided distinguished public health support through her work as child psychiatrist.

It was the then Berejiklian NSW Government in 2021 that selected the name Bradfield for the aerotropolis after Dr John Bradfield.

Dr Freelander acknowledged that Dr Bradfield was a remarkable engineer and left a tremendous mark on NSW, but he believes that Dr Bradfield already has several accolades. These include the Bradfield Highway, the electorate of Bradfield and Bradfield Senior College.

Further, as Western Sydney Airport is named after another significant female leader, the late Nancy Bird Walton, he believes it is appropriate to rename it reflect Dame Marie’s similar level of influence.

Dame Marie Bashir was the 37th Governor of NSW and former Chancellor at Sydney University. Photo Sydney University.

Double demerit long weekend

Wherever you are driving this long weekend – double demerits apply until 11.59pm, Monday, January 26.

Traffic and highway patrol officers with local police will be targeting all road-related offences including speeding, wearing seatbelts, drink and drug driving, distractions, driving tired and any dangerous driving behaviours which put the safety of road users at risk.

Last year’s road toll was 355 deaths.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner David Driver, said police would target speeding, drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, and restraint offences.

“Our message is that if you are travelling on our roads this weekend then we want everyone to reach their destination safely,” Assistant Commissioner Driver said.

“Too many lives are lost on our roads because of poor decisions.

“If you plan on drinking, then have a Plan B and don’t drive. Even speeding a couple of kilometres over the speed limit increases the risk of crashing so don’t do it.

“This operation is about preventing tragedy. One moment of inattention can have lifelong consequences.”

 To help plan your trip anywhere in NSW, traffic conditions can be found at https://www.livetraffic.com 

St Mark’s 175th anniversary

St Mark’s Anglian Church in Picton has been the centre point of pray, fellowship and spiritual growth and on July 16, 2025, marks 175 years.

On the day, there will be a church service, the laying of a foundation stone for a new Columbarium wall, a creation of a time capsule and a morning tea to celebrate the significant milestone.

John Blacket designed the church in 1848 and in 1850 the foundation stone laid.

But the call of the Gold Rush saw a labour shortage which extended the completion of the sandstone church until 1856.

During the 175 years there’s been alterations to the buildings and additions. These include cedar wood inside the church, an impressive pipe organ installed in 1894, memorial windows in the 1920s.

Many of the area’s pioneering families had a strong link to the church and still do.

In 2000 Federation funding was received to construct a memorial driveway and fencing to the church. With the support of community donations an enhanced forecourt was created.

When the church celebrated its 150^th anniversary, the Bishop of Wollongong and Archbishop were in attendance for the laying of the foundation stone.

The earliest grave in the cemetery adjoining the church is of Robert White who died in 1840. The cemetery is still a place of reflection as well as a historical interest point. Visitors can connect to an audio highlighting the different graves and their stories.

The 2016 floods that devastated Picton also impacted the church, which required major restoration. Even the cemetery took a battering.

The church has been the foundation for countless stories – of renewed faith, friendship and lives transformed. The modern congregation stives to continue the work and philosophy of the church.

Its longevity and the enhancement are a credit to the community and churchgoers.

Today, it is still impressive – and is ready for its anniversary and next stage of its future.

Photos of St Mark – before and now.