Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell has backed calls for a statue of Sir Fletcher Jones to be erected in Warrnambool.
Mrs Britnell said Sir Fletcher is arguably Warrnambool’s most famous citizen and still holds a place in the heart of many people in the city to this day
“I think it’s a fantastic idea and we should honour one of the leaders of this community in a prominent way.
“I think a statue of Sir Fletcher would be great on the corner of Liebig and Koroit Streets, in front of the shop that housed the Fletcher Jones store.”
Mrs Britnell said at its peak the Fletcher Jones Factory employed 3000 people and was a driving force in Warrnambool and many people in Warrnambool have a link to the factory in some way.
She said Sir Fletcher was renowned for his business practices, which saw staff take part ownership in the business and for the way he treated the people who worked for him.
“His impact on Warrnambool can’t be underestimated. There are so many stories about the way he looked after his staff, gave them ownership of the business and practised management by consultation which helping find better and innovative ways to do things.
“Sir Fletcher was an incredibly generous man and did a lot of the community; He gave away most of his money anonymously, but his name is still seen at all sorts of places where he made a significant contribution.
“That legacy of generosity lives on today through the FJ Foundation, which provides grants to many community projects.”
Mrs Britnell said she would raise the matter with Warrnambool City Council in an effort to push the idea along.
