A new road bridge being built in Beaconsfield will be named McKenna Drive in honour of the late Carmel McKenna, well known for her dedication and decades of service to the Beaconsfield community.
The road bridge will connect Beaconsfield Avenue to Kenilworth Avenue over the rail line when it opens in autumn, which will see the dangerous and congested Station Street level crossing gone for good.
McKenna Drive was chosen as the name for the new road bridge following community consultation on four proposed names, with 300 submissions received for the preferred name.
Carmel and her husband Desmond had strong ties to the local area, with most of their 11 children attending St Francis Xavier College in Beaconsfield, which the couple helped to establish.
Carmel, who died in 2023 aged 88 years, was closely associated with St Francis Xavier College since its opening in 1978, with her contribution to the school recognised in 2011 with a ‘Living Treasure’ award.
For more than 25 years, Carmel helped families in need, providing meals and support through different community organisations in Beaconsfield, assisting with fundraising activities and providing care for elderly neighbours.
She also volunteered her time to support local children’s sports, including the Beaconsfield Junior Football Club, where she ran the canteen and served on the committee.
In recognition of her efforts, Carmel was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2022 for service to the community. She is survived by 11 children, 28 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Son Michael McKenna said the family was pleased that their mother’s contribution to the area would live on for generations to come.
“We are absolutely delighted that the bridge will be named after mum. The whole family was thrilled to bits. The news brought tears to my eyes,” he said.
“None of us know how mum did it. She worked extremely hard. It was just in her nature to give to others. It’s so fantastic that mum’s efforts, and the contribution of women in Beaconsfield, is being recognised.”
A commemorative plaque honouring the legacy of the McKenna family in Beaconsfield will also be installed near the new road bridge.
Works are continuing with crews completing the northern and southern roundabouts and putting the finishing touches on the new bridge, including line marking and signage.
Level Crossing Removal Project is getting rid of the Station Street boom gates to boost safety and ease congestion in the area and make the Pakenham Line closer to being level crossing free in 2025.
