Two volunteer firefighters, Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer, lost their lives fighting fires near Buxton on 19 December 2019. To recognise their heroic efforts in helping to save the Buxton township, members of the local community proposed that a memorial be created to commemorate their lives and to express the community’s gratitude to the Keaton and O’Dwyer families.
Wollondilly Shire Council committed funds to the memorial and undertook a consultation process to ensure that the aspirations of the community were properly captured. The survey was designed to ensure that the memorial was considered appropriate by the local community. Prior to this, the proposal was discussed with the families of Geoffrey and Andrew, and members of the local community including members of the RFS, who confirmed their support for the proposal.
Wollondilly Council approved an amendment of the Telopea Park Master Plan at their July 2020 meeting - to allow for the installation of a Rural Fire Service (RFS) Fire Truck Memorial Playground within the park. The Telopea Park Master Plan amendments include:
An RFS Fire Truck Memorial Playground with shade provision, landscaping and park seating, including memorial plaque/s
An update of the existing playground with the selected design, allowing for future shade structure provision
Adapting the connection routes between some of the facilities due to minor changes required during construction.
Following an opening ceremony in December 2020 - attended by the Keaton and O'Dwyer families; RFS representatives; dignitaries including the NSW Premier, Australian Prime Minister and Wollondilly Mayor; and local community volunteers - the playground is now open to the public.
Playground Now Open to the Public
Two volunteer firefighters, Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer, lost their lives fighting fires near Buxton on 19 December 2019. To recognise their heroic efforts in helping to save the Buxton township, members of the local community proposed that a memorial be created to commemorate their lives and to express the community’s gratitude to the Keaton and O’Dwyer families.
Wollondilly Shire Council committed funds to the memorial and undertook a consultation process to ensure that the aspirations of the community were properly captured. The survey was designed to ensure that the memorial was considered appropriate by the local community. Prior to this, the proposal was discussed with the families of Geoffrey and Andrew, and members of the local community including members of the RFS, who confirmed their support for the proposal.
Wollondilly Council approved an amendment of the Telopea Park Master Plan at their July 2020 meeting - to allow for the installation of a Rural Fire Service (RFS) Fire Truck Memorial Playground within the park. The Telopea Park Master Plan amendments include:
An RFS Fire Truck Memorial Playground with shade provision, landscaping and park seating, including memorial plaque/s
An update of the existing playground with the selected design, allowing for future shade structure provision
Adapting the connection routes between some of the facilities due to minor changes required during construction.
Following an opening ceremony in December 2020 - attended by the Keaton and O'Dwyer families; RFS representatives; dignitaries including the NSW Premier, Australian Prime Minister and Wollondilly Mayor; and local community volunteers - the playground is now open to the public.
