Wagstaffe boat ramp is named

Wagstaffe residents came together on Saturday, November 5, to celebrate the naming of the Pretty Beach boat ramp after a much-loved former local resident Mr George McDonald.

Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O'Neill attended the event and said Mr McDonald was the driving force behind the campaign to fix the boat ramp.

Mr McDonald started his campaign in 2003 after going to the aid of a woman and her son who were struggling to get a boat off the old boat ramp that had silted up in the tidal flats.

"George's perseverance in lobbying Council and the State Government for the restoration of the ramp and seeing the work through to completion was a testament to his community spirit," said Ms O'Neill.

"As a political candidate at the time, I was greatly inspired by George and his wife Judy.

"They proved to me that people of good intention with hope and endeavour can change their communities for the better.

"So I'm honoured to be here today to help name the ramp after George," Ms O'Neill told assembled guests.

The improved Pretty Beach boat ramp with a floating pontoon was opened in October 2006.

George and Judy McDonald moved away to be with his family on the South Coast of NSW, but returned for this year's Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association Christmas Party.

The evening included a presentation by the Community Association's Robyn Warburton who had compiled a history of Wagstaffe Hall including historic photos of some current residents.

"My thanks go to Association president Dr Peta Colebatch and her team for organising such a wonderful community event," said Ms O'Neill.

Media Release, 11 Nov 2011 Matt Pulford, Office of Deborah O'Neill MP