The streets in Catherine Park Estate have been named after previous landowners of the area and eminent Australians (Companions of the Order of Australia). As residents continue to move into the St James precinct, we would like to share some of the namesakes behind the addresses.
Cossart Loop
Yvonne Edna Cossart, AO (14 August 1934 – 16 December 2014) was a virologist and clinical pathologist who became a world pioneer in infectious diseases. Yvonne discovered the ‘B19’ virus which causes ‘Fifth Disease’ in children as well as aplastic anaemia, hydrops fetalis and acute arthritis. She also made significant research headway in the understanding of enterovirus, poliomyelitis, parvovirus, smallpox, rabies, human papilloma viruses and hepatitis.
With an illustrious career in both Sydney and London, she was appointed AO in 1998 for service to medicine as a specialist in infectious diseases. She was the Bosch Professor of the University of Sydney from 1986-2006.
Gibbs Crescent
Sir Harry Talbot Gibbs PC, GCMG, AC, KBE, QC. (7 February 1917 – 25 June 2005) was admitted to the Queensland Bar in 1939, proceeding to Queen's Counsel (QC) in 1957. He was the Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland from 1961–67 and later the Judge of the Federal Court of Bankruptcy and Supreme Court of ACT 1967–70. In 1970 he was made a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE).
Most notably, he was appointed Justice of the High Court from August 1970 to February 1981, and later Chief Justice from February 1981 to February 1987. His life and work will forever be honoured through the Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre at the Supreme Court of Queensland Library.
Rowland Avenue
Air Marshal Sir James Anthony (Jim) Rowland AC, KBE, DFC, AFC (1 November 1922 – 27 May 1999) served as a bomber pilot in the elite Pathfinder force in WWII. He earned a Flying Cross in 1944, before being taken as a prisoner of war in Germany by the Gestapo. He was later transported to an internment camp by the Luftwaffe until the end of the war.
Upon his return to Australia, Sir James resumed his aeronautical engineering studies and joined the RAAF, always maintaining his involvement in the military. He rose to the rank of Air Marshal of Air Staff in 1975 until his retirement four years later.
Appointed in 1981, Sir James was the 33rd Governor of NSW serving until 1989. He was known as a very hands-on Governor, travelling around the state to meet with the people, opening Government House to the public and inviting a broader range of guests to official functions. During his term he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 1987.
During his retirement, Sir James served on a number of boards and was Chancellor of the University of Sydney.
Dusty Way
David Gordon Kirkpatrick AO, MBE (13 June 1927 – 19 September 2003), professionally known as Slim Dusty, was one of Australia’s most famous country singers. He released more than 100 albums throughout his lifetime and is the only artist to have recorded on every major music format; spanning vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, VHS, DVDs and online downloads and streaming.
He received 37 Golden Guitars, two ARIA Awards and was one of the first to be included on the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown. Dusty also received the Ted Albert Award for Lifetime Achievement and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Dusty’s marriage to fellow country singer Joy McKean in 1951 represented a lifelong partnership for both life and music, with the pair touring together for almost 50 years.
His music is renowned for capturing the spirit and historical pillars of Australia, and he will always be remembered through the Slim Dusty Centre, in his hometown of Kempsey, NSW.
