Initiatives

Recognition of Francis Ryan

At the 2018 Spring into Sanctuary Point fair a commemorative plaque was unveiled to honour Francis Ryan.

At the 2018 Spring into Sanctuary Point fair, a commemoration ceremony where a commemorative plaque was unveiled was held to recognise the contributions to our community of the late Francis Ryan. Francis Ryan was a major driver of the amalgamations of shire councils that formed Shoalhaven City Council. Mr Ryan’s grandchildren, Dr Mark Ryan and Mrs Denise Jones, were present for the dedication.

The unveiling of the commemorative plaque by Mayor Amanda Finley.

“Nowra’s longest serving Mayor”

South Coast Register
Article by Hayley Warden

Published September 13 2016

Dr Francis Patrick Ryan (1900-1962) was Nowra Municipal Council’s longest serving Mayor.

He held the position in 1927 and again from 1931 to 1945. Dr Ryan’s local government career lasted 33 years, 18 of which he was either Mayor or Shire President.His term in the chair included the years of World War II and apart from his many other duties he was also worked as medical officer for the services stationed in the district.

Dr Ryan supported the amalgamation to form the Shire of Shoalhaven in 1948 and during his tenure, he was instrumental in improving the districts sewerage scheme, extensions to the electricity supply and upgrading the gas works.

The original board naming Mayors of the Nowra Municipal Council, presented to council in 1902 by Mr Mark Morton MLA, can be viewed in the Nowra Museum.