The Paddington Society celebrates 50 years

Street Furniture Australia (SFA) supported the 50th anniversary of the Paddington Society by donating the first prize in a raffle at the anniversary dinner held at Paddington Town Hall on Monday 11 August.

The date was significant in that it was 50 years to the day that the Paddington Society was formed at a meeting in the Town Hall. Concerned residents were opposed to the planned introduction of new arterial roads which would bisect the community and result in the loss of hundreds of terrace houses which make up the heritage fabric of the village.

The raffle was drawn by Jack Thompson, famed Australian actor, in the presence of the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore. Both Sir Peter and Jack grew up in Paddington, Jack being the son of Paddington Society founding members John and Pat Thompson.

First prize was an SFA outdoor dining setting – the Mall table with two benches in Jarrah and powder coated aluminium. It was keenly sought by the 250 people in attendance, and was drawn under the watchful eye of SFA director Bill Morrison. Bill has been an active member of the Paddington Society committee for over 20 years, and has an ongoing commitment to the quality of the public domain and amenity of Paddington.