The South Australian State Government is now proposing the rail bridge will be named “The Mary MacKillop Bridge" in honour of Sister Mary MacKillop (previously to be the name of the road bridge), while the road bridge be named in honour of Thomas 'Diver' Derrick VC DCM.
The proposed name "Power Bridge" was to reflect the consistent and ongoing contribution of the Port Adelaide Football Club to the local area since the club's establishment in 1870.
The club understands that since the proposed names of “The Mary MacKillop Bridge” and “Power Bridge” were announced, there has been a growing public call in the Port Adelaide area for the road bridge to be named in honour of Thomas 'Diver' Derrick VC DCM, the World War ll hero who was killed in action. This was not a reflection on “Power Bridge”.
Following discussions, the Port Adelaide Football Club, through President Greg Bolton and Chief Executive John James, offered to the South Australian Government to relinquish the use of the name 'Power' in respect to the achievements of Sister Mary MacKillop and the sacrifice of Diver Derrick.
Premier Mike Rann and Deputy Premier Kevin Foley have said the following: “The decision of the Port Adelaide Football Club underscores its deep and long standing commitment to the local area, its deep sense of history and insight to community consensus. We commend the club on its decision.”
The club understands the proposed names are now the subject of public submissions.
For background:
Sister Mary MacKillop founded the Sisters of St Joseph at Penola in 1866. Sister MacKillop travelled to Port Adelaide in 1867, where she established a school adjacent to the church in Dale Street. She is acknowledged for her commitment to the welfare and education of the disadvantaged, with the number of schools under her care growing to 17. In 1995 Pope John Paul ll visited Australia for the formal beatification of Sister MacKillop - the first step towards Canonisation.
Thomas 'Diver' Derrick VC DCM, was a World War ll hero who was killed in action. Diver Derrick was awarded the Victoria Cross for his great acts of bravery. He was killed in 1945 in Borneo in the defence of his country. Tom 'Diver' Derrick's connection with Port Adelaide is well documented. He attended the Le Fevre Peninsula School. After leaving school he became known as a colourful local character with a sense of adventure and sharp wit with both cricketing and football prowess.
