Beloved late Baw Baw Shire resident and community activist Kelly Koochew has been formally honoured in a park opening ceremony that took place yesterday in Warragul.
Kelly Koochew Park, located at 2 Stoke Street in Warragul's Waterford Rise estate, was officially opened by Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe, members of Kelly's family including husband Nick Rowe and their three daughters Issie, Lola and Zoe, Members of Council's Place Names Advisory Committee and Council Officers.
Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe officiated the ceremony stating that Kelly left a meaningful and lasting legacy in Baw Baw.
"Council is proud to name this park in Kelly's honour, a widely respected woman who gave so much back to her community and family throughout her life. When Council was presented with the opportunity to honour Kelly, it was our way to acknowledge everything she did for Warragul and the wider Baw Baw community," said the Mayor.
"Kelly proudly served her community as a founding member of Women in Gippsland and Warragul Farmer's Market and a Baw Baw Food Movement committee member. We acknowledge the endless pursuit that Kelly and the Women in Gippsland team embark on to bring equality, opportunity and recognition to other remarkable women in our region.
"Beyond her many community and professional achievements, she was a beloved wife, mother, daughter and friend. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kelly's family for their support and collaboration with Council throughout the place naming process.
"We are thankful for this opportunity to honour Kelly in our community and demonstrate our gratitude for her community spirit, generosity of time and selflessness."
Kelly's father, Ian Koochew also spoke at the naming ceremony sharing memories and detailing numerous ways that Kelly impacted the community throughout her life.
The Mayor together with members of Kelly's family helped to officially unveil the new park sign which will now be permanently displayed at the entrance of the park.
Council is responsible for the naming and renaming of publicly owned roads, parks, features and localities throughout the Shire. The decision to name the park in Kelly's honour was endorsed by Baw Baw Shire Council in March 2024 in accordance with Geographic Names Victoria's Place Naming Rules.
