Folk suggested for statue

Last week's story on possible candidates for the bronze or sandstone treatment has prompted Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper to throw in a few suggestions.

Mr Piper said local hero John Bernard Goodwin would be a worthy recipient of the honour.

Mr Goodwin, known to everyone as "Bernie", developed Morisset's bus and taxi service having bought the single bus and its Morisset Hospital run from Fogg in 1950.

But it was tragedy that would forever intertwine Goodwin's name with the town's history.

Goodwin operated school bus services and it was on one of these to Mooney Beach near Catherine Hill Bay in 1973 that four children came close to drowning.

Mr Goodwin managed to swim out and bring back three of the children before swimming out to the fourth child, who also survived.

But Mr Goodwin disappeared in the surf and his body was never found.

The Bernie Goodwin Oval is named in honour of him, which is fitting because Mr Goodwin was an avid sportsman.

Mr Piper also suggested historian and author Beryl Mullard, who has helped preserve Morisset's history.

Ms Mullard has lived on Morisset's main road, Dora Street, for more than 50 years and her family were pioneers of the town.

Her husband Hope's grandfather, Herbert Bradley Mullard, owned two sawmills and a handle factory in the town.

Ms Mullard is a member of the Royal Australian Historical Society and her book Iron Horse and Iron Bark details the history of Morisset and the surrounding area.

Mr Piper said another possibility would be local icon and founding editor of the Lakes Mail David Quick.

"He is a strong advocate for the area and a local oracle, with a keen wit to boot," Mr Piper said.

Mr Quick moved from Sydney in 1988 and started the then South Lakes Mail in 1996.

In 2006 he sold the paper to Fairfax, but continued working for the paper until retiring last year.

Mr Quick had an understanding of all things Lake Macquarie and often had readers calling him to seek advice on personal or professional matters.

■ Who or what would you nominate? Send in your suggestions to info@lakesmail.com.au.