Gerald Halligan was born in Ireland in 1821. He migrated to Australia in 1848. Halligan quickly obtained a job as Clerk in the Colonial Secretary’s Office. Halligan worked in the NSW Public Work’s Department from 1859 to 1882, rising to the position of Chief Clerk.

Gerald Halligan was the leading figure in the establishment of the Municipality of Marrickville.  Marrickville was proclaimed a Municipality on 5 November 1861 with a population of six hundred people and one hundred and thirty buildings

The first election was held on 9 December 1861. Gerald Halligan was unanimously elected as the first Chairman. He held the position from 1861 to 1863 and again in 1866. Halligan served as a Councillor from 1861 to 1872.

Gerald Halligan arrived in Marrickville in 1856 and purchased a large property on the corner of Victoria and Meeks Road. The property was named Geraldine.

Halligan died in 1886, aged 65 years and was buried in the Balmain Cemetery. Halligan’s obituary described him as "a very old and respected civil servant and a resident of Marrickville for over thirty years".  Gerald Halligan was survived by his wife, Mary (known as Maud) and twelve adult children.

Gerald Street and Gerald Lane are named after Gerald Halligan. Maud Street is named after his wife.