The name Dr Francis Patrick Ryan will always be associated with the Shoalhaven and villages like Sanctuary Point honour his name.
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Dr Francis Patrick Ryan (1900-1962) was Nowra Municipal Council’s longest serving Mayor.
A plaque dedicated to his honour was recently unveiled at Sanctuary Point.
The dedication was carried out by Sanctuary Point Community Pride after seeing the research undertaken by local historian John Blackmore on Dr Ryan.
Sanctuary Point Community Pride was assisted by Shoalhaven City Council who agreed with the idea of having a walking trail around Sanctuary Point.
Francis Ryan Reserve is the starting point of this trail, but more work is needed which will include more historical and interesting stops along the way.
The dedication took place at the annual Spring into Sanctuary Point festival.
Sanctuary Point Community Pride was pleased to be able to do this and to have Dr Ryan’s daughter Denise and son Mark, along with Mark’s wife and family at the unveiling.
Mayor of the Shoalhaven Councillor Amanda Findley, Councillors Bob Proudfoot and Kaye Gartner and Mr Blackmore also attended.
Meanwhile, Dr Francis Patrick Ryan (1900-1962) was Nowra Municipal Council’s longest serving Mayor.
He held the position in 1927 and again from 1931 to 1945. Dr Ryan’s local government career lasted 33 years, 18 of which he was either Mayor or Shire President.
His term in the chair included the years of World War II and apart from his many other duties he was also worked as medical officer for the services stationed in the district.
Dr Ryan supported the amalgamation to form the Shire of Shoalhaven in 1948 and during his tenure, he was instrumental in improving the districts sewerage scheme, extensions to the electricity supply and upgrading the gas works.
The original board naming Mayors of the Nowra Municipal Council, presented to council in 1902 by Mr Mark Morton MLA, can be viewed in the Nowra Museum.
