A petition that began in November to rename Walgett’s Grawin Road in honour of the late Leo Fransen has gained traction, as locals look to acknowledge the volunteer firefighter’s tragic death in the recent Hudson Fire. 

The recent Hudson Fire destroyed 22,000 hectares of land, including national park, homes, and machinery, but no event so tragic as the passing of Captain Leo Fransen, a life member of the Mid Coast Rural Fire Service Brigade. 

Captain Fransen, who joined hundreds of other firefighters from across the state to control the blaze, tragically lost his life in his efforts to fight the Hudson Fire. 

Now, locals are petitioning to recognise him across the region. 

“We propose that the ‘Grawin Rd’ be renamed ‘Capt. Leo Fransen Way’ by Walgett Shire Council,” the petition from the Lightning Ridge Opal Reserve stated. 

The petition has gained 795 signatures.

Walgett Shire Council mayor Jasen Ramien said that he would support the council throwing their weight behind the cause. 

“If the community out there is set on changing the name of that road, then I can’t see the council planning against it in any way.”

“We could definitely look at the possibility of changing it.”

In the weeks since the Hudson Fire was contained, the community has been raising money for those who lost their homes and mining camps, with several local organisations collecting funds to distribute. 

Government-funded disaster assistance has also become available to businesses, residents and primary producers who were impacted by the blaze. 

The petition will be presented to council once it has reached 1000 or more signatures.