Ian and his wife, Nancy, moved to Narre Warren East in the early 1980s and owned a bakery in Belgrave South. Ian was the ‘glue’ of the community and was involved in many ways supporting the Narre Warren East CFA for 13 years, volunteering for Care Connect, organising community Christmas gatherings and the list goes on.

The Committee of Management has provided the following testimony in support of their request:

• “Whenever Ian became aware of new residents moving into the area, he would introduce himself and provide them with background regarding community activities.”
• “Ian became a member of the Narre Warren East CFA in the late 1980s and served as an active firefighter until 2003, with 13 of those years being the Brigade Secretary.”
• “In 1999, Ian commenced as a Volunteer with Care Connect to assist in providing outings for persons who had suffered a stroke. He would organise the venue, assist with transport arrange the meals and help feed those who were severely incapacitated.”
• “Ian’s support to community members also extended to driving a community bus, ferrying elderly people to Monbulk pool for Hydrotherapy sessions.”
• “Often, Ian would become aware of elderly residents being on their own with little help. In addition to performing “welfare calls” on them, there were occasions when he sought assistance from the Shires Health services.”
• “In early 1990, Ian joined the Narre Warren East Hall Committee and performed the role of Hall Keeper until 2019.”
• “In 1992, he organised the Narre Warren East Community Christmas gathering and this became a regular annual event up until 2018 (2019 didn’t occur due to Hall renovations). He was always 'front and centre' in organising them. He would draft the information flyer, hand deliver to all letter boxes in NWE, cook the meat and then play the role of Father Christmas for the young children.”
• “Following on from the success of the annual Christmas function at the Hall, he then commenced conducting “Christmas in Winter” functions, some of which were attended by local Council representatives and MP’s. Yet again, this is another legacy of Ian that remains entrenched within the Narre Warren East Community.”
• “Approximately 2006, Ian commenced an “open house” function as his home every Friday night from 6pm to 8pm. Everyone was welcome and most evenings, the spread of NWE residents extended from up near Cardinia Reservoir, to Lysterfield and Boundary Rd towards Berwick – most nights there would be 20 – 30 local residents attending.”
• “Finally, Ian was the 'go-to person' in NWE if any person wanted help – he was essentially the 'glue' of the local community.”

As this is a commemorative naming request, support for the proposal has also been provided by the family of the late Mr Ian Brown.

In view of Ian Brown’s association to the area and the Hall itself, Council acknowledges that the proposal meets the requirements of the Naming Rules and will consider the naming proposal once the community consultation is complete.