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Place Names Register Extract

Coonan Crescent

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Name Coonan
Type Designation Crescent
Place Id 24892
Place Type Road
Status Registered
Date Registered 10 August 2018
Locality / Suburb  
  Berrimah
Local Government Area  
 
History/Origin Norma Coonan (1941?2015)

Norma Coonan and her husband, Kevin, arrived in Darwin in late 1969 and initially lived at the Bindaree Caravan Park. Determined to make Darwin their home, they started a family and raised their two children there. Norma experienced Cyclone Tracy in 1974 and remained during the rebuilding of the community in its aftermath.

Professionally, Norma worked for the Forestry Department at the Berrimah Experimental Farm complex, later transitioning to roles with the Electricity Supply Undertaking (now the Power and Water Corporation) and the Department of Lands. Her dedication to community service extended beyond her professional life, particularly through her involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. While employed part-time with the Scheme, she generously gave her personal time, supporting participants, supervisors, and parents. She often served as an emergency contact for activities, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the youth of the Northern Territory.

Norma's expertise in research and document preparation was particularly evident in her work on the Kenbi Land Claim in 1979. She meticulously prepared documents that played a pivotal role in recording the stories of the Larrakia people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Darwin was built. This effort allowed her and her family to connect deeply with Darwin?s heritage and Aboriginal culture. Her work contributed significantly to the decades-long legal process of the Kenbi Land Claim, culminating in a settlement in 2016, just one year after her passing. Authors of the claim acknowledged Norma?s precision and dedication as instrumental in navigating the complex legal arguments over 37 years.

Norma passed away in Darwin at the age of 74 in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of community service, cultural preservation, and advocacy. Although she did not live to witness the historic handover of the land title to the Larrakia people on 21 June 2016, her contributions remain an enduring part of this significant milestone.

Register & Gazettal information

Date Gazettal Comment
10/08/2018 Date added to the Register ( Certified Plan S2018/077)
10/12/2024 S2024/118 Certified Plan - Realignment of road, change of road type.
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