Australia’s Newest City Celebrates One of its Greats

Published 18 May 2023

Not only will Moreton Bay become Australia’s newest city, one of its streets will get a golden upgrade.

Councillors yesterday voted for Leisel Drive in Rothwell to be renamed Leisel Jones Drive, after an intense campaign by Triple M Radio for the swimming star to be immortalised locally.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the location is just 800m down the road from Southern Cross Catholic College where Leisel Jones went to school.

“I’m thrilled to be acknowledging Leisel Jones OAM in this way, as one of Moreton Bay’s greatest ever talents and one of Australia’s most successful sportswomen,” Mayor Flannery said.

“She has nine Olympic medals, 10 Commonwealth Games gold medals, and 14 individual world records to her name.

“Moreton Bay has a proud history of generating some of Australia’s best swimming talent like Jessicah Schipper, Bronte Barratt, Dane Bird-Smith, Brenden Hall and Lakeisha Patterson to name a few.

“As we look ahead to the Games here in 2032, it’s also important to reflect on our Olympic and Paralympic legacy and celebrate the luminaries who’ve made Australia such an incredible sporting nation.

“I’m definitely keen to recognise more local Olympic and Paralympic legends and encourage you to make suggestions online.

“The key thing we’re looking for when considering a place name is a strong local connection to that area or a story to tell about the namesake, like the fact Leisel Jones went to school just up the road from here and has done Moreton Bay and Australia immensely proud on the international stage.”

To suggest a name for a local road Click Here

To suggest a name for a local park Click Here