Stow Gardens plaque for late local legend Tom Mwangi Maina approved by City of Greater Geraldton council

Almost one year on from the death of Tom Mwangi Maina, the local legend has had a plaque in his honour approved by the City of Greater Geraldton. Set to be erected at Stow Gardens, a site which Mr Mwangi Maina’s friend, Hari Kumar said was a special spot for the pair, visiting the gardens to plan, set up and pack down events for the Mid West Multicultural Association (MMCA). Mr Mwangi Maina was the president of the MMCA for five years, with Mr Kumar by his side as the vice-president. Deputy mayor Natasha Colliver read a speech on behalf of Mr Kumar, which described their friendship as a brotherhood which surpassed race and religion. Cr Colliver expressed the impact Mr Mwangi Maina had on the wider community, with his most notable feature a big smile. “If you knew Tom. I’m sure he touched your heart in one way or another,” she said. Cr Simon Keemink expressed his support for the plaque, not knowing Mr Mwangi Maina, but recognising the sheer impact he had on the people around him. 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 council. The proposed sign would feature his name, date of birth and death, and a message about his involvement in the community. The motion was put to a vote, with nine councillors voting to approve it. Cr Aaron Horsman was the only councillor to vote against the motion. When the motion was approved, family and friends of Mr Mwangi Maina sitting in the gallery clapped while Mr Kumar held his head in his hands and cried.