by Emma Ballingall
A Noojee assistant postmistress who saved countless families as bushfires raged towards the town could soon have a park named in her honour.

Gladys Sanderson was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) by King George for her "gallantry and devotion to duty" on Black Friday in 1939, but few in the area would know of her name or story.
That may soon change with a proposal to name a streamside reserve in Noojee "Gladys Sanderson Reserve".
Baw Baw Shire councillors unanimously supported placing the proposed name out for public consultation, with Cr Jess Hamilton stating the story "brought a tear to my eye."
In a submission to council, Carolyn Turner detailed Gladys Sanderson's actions on January 13, 1939, noting "her courageous story has been lost over a long period of time."
"I grew up in Noojee where every summer long-term residents talked about Black Friday and of Gladys' bravery," Ms Turner said.
"Sadly, it has taken 86 years and two months for us to discuss honouring her and telling her story to all who live in and visit Noojee. I hope, following community consultation, this can be righted."
Whilst many women and children were evacuated from Noojee, Gladys remained on duty as the only person who could operate the switchboard.
"She knew she was the sole link with isolated families," Ms Turner said.
A police officer, who literally pushed Gladys out the door as the town caught fire, said her messages allowed families living out in the hills to get out.
Her last message to the Warragul exchange was that she had locked valuables in the safe and tied the key around her wrist.
The pair then joined residents sheltering under blankets in the Latrobe River for four hours as fire destroyed the town.
"While the Latrobe River was a refuge that day, it would not have felt safe," Ms Turner said. "The edges of the river were on fire and burning leaves and branches rained on them."
After discovering the town - including the post office - destroyed, Ms Sanderson opened a temporary post office in a tin shed the next day.
On Black Friday, 36 people died across Victoria, Ms Turner said. This included a family of eight at a mill near Noojee.
An officer report said the Place Names Advisory Committee originally received a proposal to name the Noojee Water Wheel Trail after Ms Sanderson. However, the trail is not on council-owned land.
Seeking an alternative location, officers suggested the area informally named Noojee Streamside Reserve. It is located about 350 metres from the Water Wheel Trail and Noojee Hotel, where Gladys sheltered in the Latrobe River.
While the land is owned by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, council maintains the space, installed a mural in 2023 and recently renewed the playground.
Cr Brendan Kingwill read an excerpt from "The Herald" newspaper, aptly headlined "The Angel of Noojee".
Cr Kate Wilson said council had a "wonderful opportunity" to help tell Gladys' story.
"I think it's really important to remember the character and the plight of those who've come before us, especially in the rich history of the forebears we have here who were as tough as nails," Cr Wilson said.
Cr Jess Hamilton said Glady's story, one she had never heard before, brought a tear to her eye.
"Someone as amazing as this should definitely be recognised," Cr Hamilton said.
Cr Danny Goss recognised the work undertaken over a long period of time to get to this point.
Having been awarded an OBE, Cr Goss questioned why it had taken so long to name a place after such an imminent citizen.
"Without Carolyn's work, we probably wouldn't even known the story," he said. "I think it is a deserving honour for Gladys."
Visit bawbawconnect.com.au/gladyssanderson to have your say on the proposal to name the Noojee space "Gladys Sanderson Reserve".
Feedback on the proposal will close on Friday, May 2 at 5pm.
Right: After displaying great bravery during the 1939 bushfires, Gladys Sanderson could soon have a reserve named in her honour. Gladys saved countless lives after refusing to leave the switchboard at Noojee Post Office on Black Friday.