Have your say on a place name in Blacktown LGA
The Geographical Names Board (GNB) is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Blacktown City Council to name a reserve in the locality of Riverstone as Sneha Joshi Park.
The proposed name is for a reserve located on Riverbrae Avenue, Quill Street and Cranbourne Street, Riverstone, in the Blacktown Local Government Area.
The proposed name seeks to commemorate Professor Sneha Joshi (22/09/1943 – 04/06/2017) for her contributions to education and service to the local community.
Professor Dr Sneha Joshi was a distinguished educator and scholar whose academic leadership spanned Australia and the global research community.
Before retiring, she served as an Associate Professor at the University of Western Sydney (2006–2009) and went on to represent Australia on the Global Association of Education Research from 2010 onward.
Colleagues and community leaders regarded her as a gifted academic with a tireless work ethic and a deep commitment to nurturing young people, elevating standards in education, and strengthening international collaboration in research.
Dr Joshi volunteered with the Marathi Group in Quakers Hill, prepared home-made meals for older residents, mentored young volunteers and gave her time to the Lalor Park Community Garden, where she fostered connection across backgrounds and faiths.
Her contributions were formally acknowledged in the House of Representatives on 13 June 2017 by Michelle Rowland MP, who paid tribute to Dr Joshi’s generosity, leadership, and the warmth that made her a unifying presence across the community.
GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed name. Suggestions for alternative names are not being sought at this time.
Details of the proposal can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s
website https://proposals.gnb.nsw.gov.au/currentproposals.
Alternatively, written submissions may be mailed to: The Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795.
The closing date for submissions is 2 November 2025.
Quotes to be attributed to NSW Surveyor-General Narelle Underwood:
“Community consultation on the proposed name is an important step to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback and ensures that each voice has a chance to contribute.”
"It is important that the person being commemorated has made a notable contribution to the local community."