Proposed naming of two Red Cliffs laneways
Council proposes to name laneways in Red Cliffs, the proposed names are:
- Lewis Lane
- Archer Lane
It is important for emergency services to have named features for situational awareness, along with the opportunity to recognise local history.
We propose these family names are appropriately suited:
Lewis Lane
Mary Lewis, daughter of original Red Cliffs soldier-settlers Charlie and Louisa Lewis (Block 26), was born in 1926 and grew up attending school in Red Cliffs. After training at the Kindergarten Training College in Kew, she became Sunraysia's first fully qualified kindergarten teacher and was appointed as Red Cliffs' first Kindergarten director in 1947.
In 1949, Mary married Ron Merlin, a World War II veteran and settled in Robinvale where they raised four children. Mary played a vital role in establishing a kindergarten for Aboriginal children. Mary's dedication to working with Aboriginal children was recognised when she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1990.
Archer Lane
Elinor Archer, who trained at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, was appointed as Red Cliffs' first Maternal and Baby Health Sister in December 1925. Sister Archer expressed her desire to correct the impression that the centre was only for babies who were ill, and that monitoring and keeping records for babies in good health assists in offering advice should they become ill.
In 1928, Elinor married George Badger, who owned Block 356. The couple had two daughters, both who followed in their mother's footsteps and became nurses.
Historical information sourced with the valued assistance of the Red Cliffs Historical Society.