Mosman mourns Spit Rd asylum seeker advocate Gwyneth Crawford

GREAT-GRANDMOTHER Gwyneth Crawford, who captured the attention of thousands of commuters every day with huge signs supporting asylum seekers in her garden, has died aged 89.

Gwyneth Crawford with one of her signs. Picture: Annika Enderborg

• Taronga Zoo a winner in budget
• Secret Garden secured with lease
• Fears new bus lanes will hurt businesses
• Council takes action on boat parking

MOSMAN is mourning political campaigner Gwyneth Crawford, who died late last month. She was 89.

The great-grandmother captured the attention of thousands of commuters every day with banners in her garden supporting people seeking refuge in Australia from persecution and war.

“She passionately cared about people,” said her daughter Julia Crawford.

“She was an amazing mum: intelligent, strong and caring.”

Mrs Crawford with the sign that first gained attention. Picture: Annika Enderborg

Mrs Crawford hung the first banner on Spit Rd in 2014 because she was appalled by Australia’s offshore asylum seeker camps.

The message read, “I am ashamed of our treatment of refugees”, and within weeks it was vandalised with red paint.

This, and another banner, were eventually stolen but it didn’t deter Mrs Crawford. Another sign was hung in her garden.

Mrs Crawford with her pet dog Grace. Picture: Crawford family

With her husband Dr William Allan Crawford in the 1950s. Picture: Crawford family

“She felt she had something to say,” her daughter said.

She explained that her mum started hanging the banners as she wasn’t able to go out and volunteer due to her age.

Her drive to help other people stemmed from her experience as a child during WWII when she was sent away from her home in London.

Her son, James, took to social media to inform people of his mother’s death.

“Dear all, I am so sad to let you know that our loving strong, clever and amazing mother Gwyneth passed away peacefully early this morning. I am sure I will find more photos in the days to come . Love James.”

Facebook group People Like Us also posted about her sad passing.

In memory of Gwyneth Crawford (6 May 1927 - 28 June 2016). She was a very warm, generous and inspiring old lady. We admire her courage, kindness and passion. Without her, there might not have been our group People Just Like Us. We will never forget you, Gwyneth!

Mrs Crawford, who was diagnosed with heart disease 20 years ago, was a proud member of Mosman’s ALP branch and involved in Amnesty Inter­national. She was also a strong supporter of Dying with Dignity.

She walked her dog Grace at The Spit every day and the chihuahua also had heart failure. The dog died within hours of Mrs Crawford’s passing as she was put to sleep.

“She was an incredible person ... always out to help someone,” former ALP branch president Damien Stapleton said.

“She was a good friend and she will be missed.”

In her death notice, Mrs Crawford was described as “a strong, intelligent, loving woman and human rights activist to the end”.

Mrs Crawford has donated her body to the University of Sydney. She didn’t want a funeral or memorial and her daughter hopes to organise a gathering for family and friends at The Spit.

Visit the Mosman Daily’s new website.