Lionel Bowen Park dedication

Hon. Kristina Keneally, Cr Tony Bowen, Cr Ben Keneally, Claire Bowen, Ron Hoenig

On Saturday 31 August I was delighted to attend Mascot Park’s official dedication, now known as the Lionel Bowen Park dedicated to Lionel Frost Bowen AC.

The park was officially renamed by Botany Bay Council by Botany Bay Mayor Ben Keneally and Mrs Claire Bowen, the wife of the late Lionel Bowen AC, in the presence of Lionel’s family, and many guests including former members for Heffron, Mayoress and former Premier Kristina Keneally, and Dierdre Grusovin, and councillors from Botany Bay and Randwick City Councils.

Lionel’s son, Randwick Council’s Mayor Tony Bowen spoke so amiably about his father’s time in politics, how much he cared for and made a difference to the country and the community without a care for recognition or attention for his efforts. It just shows how selfless a man he was.

Michael, one Lionel’s other sons spoke so personally and deeply about his father being a wonderful hero that is, a great dad.

It was lovely to see Mrs Claire Bowen, unveil the plaque and take a moment to remember her husband and what he meant to so many people of the community.

It was an honor to speak about Lionel and tell a few stories of my time working with which I will forever regard as a priveledge . Lionel was many things, a Solicitor, a Politician, a community advocate, a family man however most of all a wonderful man, who had his priorities right and will always be remembered, a true legacy. 

I would like to thank Botany Bay City Council’s Mayor, Councillors and staff for putting on such a memorable event.

I would also like to thank the people who came along to this event and paid their respect to the Bowen family and reflected on who Mr Lionel Bowen AC was to them.

Lionel Bowen AC devoted 42 years to public office representing the local community in all three levels of Government:

Ron Hoenig MP speaking at the dedication

• ·Federal Parliament Member for Kingsford-Smith 1969-1990
• Deputy Prime Minister of Australia 1983-1990
• NSW State Parliament, Member for Randwick 1962-1969
• Randwick City Alderman 1948-1962
• Mayor of Randwick 1950-51; 1955-56