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About the program

Our equal places is a program led by Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) to help increase diversity and equality in commemorative place naming in Victoria.

People of all backgrounds, identities and walks of life have made incredible contributions to historical and contemporary life in Victoria, but their contributions have not always been publicly recognised.

Over the next 3 years there will be more than 6,000 new places to name in Victoria. This includes roads, streets, suburbs, and features such as parks, schools and buildings. Based on current trends, approximately a quarter of these names will be commemorative names.

Working with Victorian naming authorities and local communities, we want to make sure these names recognise the people who have helped make our communities thriving places. The program especially aims to increase place naming after underrepresented groups including women, First Nations, LGBTQIA+, people with disability and culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities.

Naming authorities are councils, government departments and agencies, and Traditional Owner groups. Read more about place naming in Victoria.

Remember a local – Name a place

Stylised graphic image of a hypothetical map showing features that could be named after people. Next to the features are place names as they would show on a map, which playfully suggest family and local heroes who could be nominated, including: Artist Bridge, Legendary Teacher School, Uncle Road, Coach Stadium, Sister Street, Veteran Gardens, Foster Parent Lane and Nonna Street. In the top left there is a shield shape with the campaign title: ‘Remember a local – Name a place’.

Do you know an unsung hero who has left a lasting legacy in your community?

Every Victorian is invited to nominate someone who has made a significant contribution in their local community to be considered for commemoration in a place name.

You can submit your nomination through the Remember a local – Name a place form on Engage Victoria. Your nomination will go into a council name bank and the name will be considered when places need naming.

Visit Engage Victoria

Victoria’s gender equality target

The Victorian Government has set a target of 70% of new commemorative place naming after women as part of Our equal state: Victoria’s gender equality strategy and action plan 2023–2027.

GNV is leading and supporting initiatives to help reach this target. This includes the Remember a Local – Name a Place campaign on Engage Victoria to increase the number of commemorative naming options available to councils.

GNV is also partnering with Gender Equity Victoria and Her Place Women’s Museum Australia on a range of initiatives that will support naming authorities in their work towards gender equality in place naming.

Partners

Gender Equity Victoria

Gender Equity Victoria is working with GNV and councils to review and publish baseline data on gender equality in Victoria’s place names and public art. Gender Equity Victoria is also delivering a range of tools, resources, workshops and forums for naming authorities through the Put Her Name on It campaign.

These initiatives will support naming authorities to meet the commemorative naming target and obligations under the Gender Equality Act 2020.

Read more about the Put Her Name on It campaign at Gender Equity Victoria.

Her Place Women’s Museum Australia

Her Place Women’s Museum Australia is expanding the Finding Her commemorative tour that is making the stories, lives and achievements of women and gender diverse people more visible in public spaces. You can browse the inspirational stories on the Finding Her digital map or access via QR codes in locations across the state.

Her Place Women’s Museum Australia is also developing a Finding Her Hub and historical research services to support gender diversity and culturally sensitive commemoration

Read more at Her Place Women’s Museum and Finding Her.

Page last updated: 20/08/24