IT does not take long in Newcastle to find some evidence that Joy Cummings was here.
Ms Cummings' name already adorns prominent parts of the city. The harbourside promenade bears the former lord mayor's name in recognition of her efforts to turn the area into a recreation zone. As the response to changes in that area necessitated by the Supercars race's arrival revealed, it is now an area unimaginable to many as anything but a public reserve.
The same is true of the Civic Theatre, which Ms Cummings helped to preserve, and that she was the first woman into the Newcastle Club.
In the days when the city was dominated by heavy industry, the long-time Bruce Street resident's vision was remarkable, and is even more so in hindsight.
She was an alderman from 1968 and lord mayor from 1974 to 1976, and again from 1977 to 1984. She retired after a stroke, dying at the age of 79 in 2003.
"She was the first female lord mayor in Australia, and while that is significant, that's only a part of what made her such a notable and unforgettable figure," former lord mayor John Tate said at Ms Cummings' passing.
"Joy set the standard to which I and other lord mayors have aimed to achieve."
City of Newcastle has revealed that Ms Cummings will be one of the only women in NSW immortalised in bronze. She is also the first person within the city to receive that honour. She is certainly a worthy choice.
"Joy was a trailblazer for women in leadership and inspired Novocastrians through her community spirit and love for our great city and our people," her successor several times removed, lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes, said.
Some may point to Ms Cummings' active efforts in the area of environmental and heritage conservation, which saw her dubbed Weeping Willow for her efforts to keep fig trees in Birdwood Park and Islington Park, and question how she would feel about Newcastle's rapid evolution in recent years. Yet at the time of her death, it was also noted she never saw industry as something ugly.
"I think she'll enjoy looking over what's happening throughout the city," Ms Cummings' daughter Margaret said.
Given that she set in stone many of the cornerstones of Newcastle as we know it, it is fitting the city should cast Ms Cummings' legacy in bronze so prominently. May the sculpture inspire others to follow her path.
