Today’s photo shows the official party, invited guests and some of the public who attended the official opening of Chifley Park in West Bathurst on Saturday afternoon, February 20, 1954.
Australian flags draped both the bronze bust of Ben Chifley and the table in front of the official party. Later, the leader of the federal opposition, Dr H. V. Evatt, unveiled the bronze bust of Mr Chifley and officially named the park fronting the estate Chifley Park.
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Among those present were Alderman Alan Morse, Mr A.S. Luchetti, Mr C.A. Kelly and Ben Chifley’s widow, Elizabeth Chifley.
Striking tributes were paid to the memory of Bathurst’s “greatest son”, the late J. B. Chifley, former prime minister of Australia, when a Housing Commission estate to perpetuate his memory was also officially opened by his widow.
The estate comprised 60 homes.
Some 1200 people were present at the ceremony, which was attended by many of the late Mr Chifley’s parliamentary colleagues, trade union leaders and representatives of many Bathurst and district organisations.
Every local government body in the area was represented.
In opening the ceremonies, Ald Morse said: “Each of today’s ceremonies is designed to honour the name and to perpetuate the memory of the late Mr J. B. Chifley.
“The housing estate was a NSW State Government project, and the park is the citizens’ tribute. One is complementary to the other, and they combine to create a fitting memorial in Bathurst to one whose thoughts were always of the people.”
The housing estate clustered around the park and was separated by streets.
“The street that we are facing has been renamed Commonwealth Street,” Ald Morse said.
“The crescent around the park has been called Kelly Crescent after Mr Gus Kelly, Member for Bathurst and with whom Mr Chifley enjoyed a strong personal friendship during the whole of his Parliamentary career.
“The cul-de-sac entering Commonwealth Street has been named Mackenzie Place in honour of Mrs Chifley, whose maiden name was Mackenzie.
“Running from the hill opposite into this estate is Macquarie Street, the name of the electorate so well represented by Mr Chifley in the national parliament.”
In the centre of the park and forming the main feature was the bust of Mr Chifley, surrounded by trees bearing plaques donated by local organisations with which Mr Chifley was closely associated and to which he gave many years of service.
It was felt that by the association of the various plaques and the names of the streets with the park and housing settlement, the area would serve as a reminder to future generations of the life and work of Bathurst’s greatest son.
“We are very honoured to have with us this afternoon two people who are to perform the opening ceremonies - Mrs Chifley, who is to open the housing estate, and Dr Evatt, who is to unveil the bust and name the park,” Ald Morse went on.
“I extend a sincere welcome both to Mrs Chifley and to Dr Evatt, and would say that there are no two people who are better fitted to perform these ceremonies.
“Mrs Chifley, more than anyone else, made possible the long life of service to the nation of her husband, and Dr Evatt was the trusted colleague and lieutenant of Mr Chifley during his years as prime minister, and then his successor as leader of their parliamentary party.”
The mayor welcomed the parliamentarians and former associates of Mr Chifley, who travelled long distances to show their respect to a man who was very popular in Bathurst.
The ceremonies were sponsored jointly by Bathurst City Council and the Housing Commission.
Part two will appear next week.
