For 25 years, Beatrice Bush sold newspapers to commuters on the corner of Victoria Road and The Crescent in White Bay.
Since her death in 1996, her memory has been commemorated with a ferry pontoon and a pedestrian bridge named in her honor as well as the placement of a small commemorative plaque at the intersection of Victoria Road and The Crescent.
Beatrice’s legacy is now at risk of being demolished with the pedestrian bridge marked for demolition as part of WestConnex.
Commenting on the news, Jamie Parker MP for Balmain says:
“Beatrice Bush was an icon of the Inner West and a representative of Balmain’s proud working-class history. She pounded the pavement every day in Dunlop Volley’s doing what she could to make a living.
“People like Beatrice are part of what make our community unique and with WestConnex set to bulldoze the history of this intersection, we need to make sure that her memory is preserved.
“I’m lobbying Roads and Maritime Services and will be rededicating her plaque in a more prominent location that’s fitting of her contribution to the history of this area. Despite the destruction of WestConnex, we cannot lose contact with the unique heritage of Balmain.”
Balmain resident Pamela Springate is campaigning to preserve Beatrice’s memory:
“I used to see her every day when I travelled to work. She was part of the landscape of Balmain and people even gave her Christmas cards out of their car windows during the holidays!
“At the moment, her plaque is in the most hideous spot and there isn’t any obvious signage. I want to let everyone know that she existed. She’s worthy of a better memorial, one that local people can see so her memory isn’t forgotten.”
For more information or to set up an interview with Jamie Parker or Pamela Springate: (02) 9660 7586
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