Hassett Park in Campbell and Nina Farrer Park in Greenway named after prominent Canberrans

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This was published 7 years ago

Hassett Park in Campbell and Nina Farrer Park in Greenway named after prominent Canberrans

By Kimberley Le Lievre

The grass is greener on the other side, especially if you're visiting one of the newly minted parks in the capital.

Two new outdoor spaces have been named after prominent Canberrans, and both families say they are "chuffed" with the decision to recognise their loved ones.

Sandra Hassett with her dogs in the new Hassett Park in Campbell. The park has been named after her father, General Sir Francis Hassett.

Sandra Hassett with her dogs in the new Hassett Park in Campbell. The park has been named after her father, General Sir Francis Hassett.Credit: Rohan Thomson

In the new Campbell 5 subdivision, Hassett Park is named after the first chief of defence force staff, General Sir Francis Hassett.

On the opposite side of the lake at Greenway, Nina Farrer Park at Southquay recognises a local pioneer, the devoted wife of drought- and rust-resistant wheat developer William Farrer.

One of Canberra's newest parks, Hassett Park.

One of Canberra's newest parks, Hassett Park.Credit: Lannon Harley

The parks both have unique features, and come spring are set to be filled with Canberrans enjoying the outdoors.

Nina Farrer's great-great-niece, Adrienne Bradley, said she's looking forward to taking her grandchildren to the park named after their ancestor.

For Sandra Hassett, the Campbell park named after her father is in an ideal location.

"That area is very much a home area for him," Dr Hassett said.

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Hassett Park.

Hassett Park.Credit: Lannon Harley

"He went to Duntroon from 1936-39, and in those days they used to march from there to St John's Church every Sunday. I think he'd be pretty chuffed about the whole thing," she said.

Dr Hassett, whose father died in 2008 at the age of 90, said she remembered him as a caring and honorable person.

"He had very high standards and he was very loving," Dr Hassett said.

She said her father, despite his achievements, was a modest man.

General Hassett served in Palestine in World War II, and later in Korea and Malaya. He created a record for his accelerated promotions in the army, becoming lieutenant at the age of 20, captain at 21, major at 22 and lieutenant-colonel at 23.

He was the inaugural chief of the defence force staff before he retired in 1977.

The parks were named in consultation with the community.

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