City of Greater Geraldton to vote on plaque recognising late multicultural champion Tom Mwangi Maina

A much-loved member of the Geraldton community and a champion of multiculturalism could have a plaque displayed in his honour almost a year after his death. Tom Mwangi Maina served the greater community as a leader who helped people from different backgrounds settle in to life in Geraldton. He was president of the Midwest Multicultural Association and was heavily involved in volunteer roles across the town, including the Rotary Club of Geraldton-Greenough, the Kenyan Community and the Midwest African Association. His death in April last year came as a shock to many, but he could receive acknowledgement with a plaque at the Stow Gardens stage area on the foreshore. At Tuesday’s City of Greater Geraldton council agenda forum, deputy mayor Natasha Colliver discussed the idea of honouring Mr Mwangi Maina. She said she brought it up as a request from one of his long-time friends, Hari Kumar. “Hari and Tom were great mates, so he asked if we could recognise Tom’s contribution to the city,” Cr Colliver said. “His death was a shock to many in the community and we hope to acknowledge the impact he had.” Plaques in Geraldton are usually approved at the discretion of a council officer and would normally be placed on a seat in a park or garden. However, the request to have it on a Stow Garden stage pillar means it must be approved by the council. The proposed sign would feature his name, date of birth and death, and a message about his involvement in the community. The city will vote on whether to approve the plaque at its meeting on Tuesday, March 26.