Council names bridge to honour Perren family legacy

LISMORE City Council has named a South Lismore bridge after long-time staff member Lenny Perren.

Perren worked with council for more than 20 years before his death from non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2014.

Mayor Steve Krieg officially opened the Wilson Street bridge alongside Perren’s widow Julie and their three children, Nathan, Lochie and Megan.

Krieg said it was a special day that recognised one of Lismore’s unsung heroes.

Perren started as a carpenter and became a bridge foreman, mentoring younger workers and shaping how council builds and maintains infrastructure.

“His expertise as a carpenter and concreter translated into the construction of numerous bridges, both small and large, which have been vital in improving local connectivity and infrastructure,” Krieg said.

“Lenny’s sense of community was profoundly generous, characterising his deep connection to the Rock Valley area where he lived and raised his family.

“The community continues to fondly remember Lenny for his friendly disposition, the values he embodied and his unwavering commitment to ensuring safe passage for all.”

Julie Perren said Lenny once worked with the SES on Christmas Day to shut floodgates during a storm.

He slept overnight at the bridge depot to ensure the situation stayed under control.

Council’s bridge team said his memory lives on through the strong work ethic he passed down and many of the practices still in use today.