Park officially named after Angel of Noojee

by Emma Ballingall
With the river that offered refuge to residents in the Black Friday bushfires flowing steadily nearby, a Noojee park has been officially named "Gladys Sanderson Park".
Baw Baw Shire mayor Kate Wilson said the park's name recognised an assistant postmistress who bravely saved countless local lives on January 13, 1939.
"(She's) one of our locals to do an incredible thing," Cr Wilson said.
As bushfires ravaged much of Victoria and headed towards Noojee on that day, Gladys Sanderson remained at Noojee Post Office to operate the telephone switchboard - the town's only communication link.
She worked tirelessly, relaying urgent messages to isolated families in the surrounding bush and hills, warning them of the approaching fire and need to flee.
It was only when the post office was engulfed in flame, that she sought shelter in the Latrobe River, which runs next to the park now named in her honour.
Her extraordinary bravery saw Gladys dubbed "The Angel of Noojee" and awarded an Order of British Empire by King George. However, despite her story making headlines from Warragul to London, her story became lost in recent years.
That was until a former Noojee resident stepped in.
In a submission to council in March this year, Carolyn Turner said Black Friday and Gladys' bravery was talked about when she grew up in Noojee but "her courageous story has been lost over a long period of time."
"Sadly, it has taken 86 years and two months for us to discuss honouring her and telling her story to all who live in and visit Noojee," Ms Turner said.
That was righted when a small crowd gathered to officially unveil "Gladys Sanderson Park" signage - including an historical storyboard - at the Bennett St site.
"It seems only fitting we're able to put her name on this park to remember her and her service," Cr Wilson said.
"The naming of features provides the opportunity for celebrating achievements, remembering the past and preserving history. It is our hope that this story continues to be told for generations to come and is remembered by Noojee residents and visitors alike."
To coincide with the park's naming, Noojee and District Historical Society also unveiled a permanent exhibition about Gladys at its Noojee Heritage Railway Station for visitors to learn more about "The Angel of Noojee". It also features vintage telephones, switchboard and fire equipment from the 1930s.