She moved to the Newcastle area at the onset of the Second World War when her father, a fireman, was transferred to the Scott Street Brigade.
During her political career she was active in promoting environmental and heritage conservation, the arts, local business and industry, and social reforms.
Two significant social reforms was the use by her of Advance Australia Fair during Citizenship Ceremonies in 1977 and the flying of the Aboriginal flag over the town hall, both of which were Australian firsts.
[7] The promenade plaque states that Cummings "presided over a period of change, as Newcastle shed its heavy industrial base to become to the city of beauty, vibrancy and diversity that it is today.
[8][9] The bust was created by Mudgee-based sculptor and artist Margot Stephens and was overseen by Newcastle City Council.