We asked for feedback on a proposal to recognise Raymond (Ray) Cox by naming the viewing deck at Curl Curl Lagoon the Ray Cox Viewing Deck.

We received 82 submissions between Thursday 6 July and Sunday 20 August 2023, with a high level of support expressed for the proposed naming (82%). Many submissions commented it was a fitting tribute to Ray Cox and his work.

We reported the outcomes of the exhibition to Council at its meeting on Tuesday 28 November 2023, recommending adoption. We are pleased to advise that Council adopted the proposal.

We held a naming ceremony and unveiled the interpretive sign at the Ray Cox Viewing Deck on Thursday 11 April 2024. We also installed a memorial bench at the nearby Stirgess Reserve Garden.

The proposal aims to recognise Raymond (Ray) Cox by naming the viewing deck at Curl Curl Lagoon the Ray Cox Viewing Deck.

Council considered Mayoral Minute 23/2022 on 18 October 2022 and resolved (resolution 311/22) to work with the family of Mr Cox and the Friends of Curl Curl Lagoon to find a fitting tribute that recognises his long-standing contribution to our community.

The proposal to name the viewing deck is supported by Mr Cox’s family and the Friends of Curl Curl Lagoon.

The naming proposal is consistent with Council’s Policy for the Naming of our Reserves, Facilities and Roads. As it is naming a facility it does not require the approval of the Geographical Names Board of NSW (GNB).

We invited you to view the location plan and have your say by completing the submission form; emailing council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au; or writing to us marked 'Naming proposal - Ray Cox viewing deck', Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.

Submissions closed Sunday 20 August 2023.

All submissions in their entirety are made publicly available in the Community Engagement Report. Personal identifying information and inappropriate language are redacted.

Mr Cox was a passionate advocate and visionary for environmental, community and social justice issues who made significant contributions to the Northern Beaches community over many years. He was an active member of many local groups including the Curl Curl Lagoon Friends and the Save Manly Dam Catchment Committee.

Mr Cox was a long standing committee officer and founding life member of the Curl Curl Lagoon Friends and was instrumental in the ongoing rehabilitation of Curl Curl Lagoon and the local area including the bushland at Alan Newton Reserve, Stirgess Reserve and Greendale Creek. He advocated for improvements such as the installation of the viewing deck and weir. As a member of the Save Manly Dam Catchment Committee Mr Cox advocated for the heritage listing and ongoing conservation of Manly Dam as a place of tranquility and as a war memorial.

He was involved with Community Aid Abroad, now known as Oxfam, for many years and set up a local Walk Against Want event on the beaches to enable people to participate without having to get to the city. He was also very passionate about our First Nations people and supported ANTaR through their Sea of Hands days.

He is remembered for championing local causes, volunteering, inspiring and mentoring others and for his generosity. His legacy is reflected in the many people that he inspired to get involved, who continue to care for our local environment and our Northern Beaches community.