16 September 2024
Do you know an unsung hero who has left a lasting legacy in your community?
In a new campaign launched on Engage Victoria, all Victorians are invited to nominate someone who has made a significant contribution in their community to be considered for commemoration in a new place name.
Mirka Lane, Shane Warne Stand, Caroline Springs, Nino Arrigo Bridge and Warrior Woman Lane are all examples of places named after Victorians.
As Victoria’s cities, suburbs, towns and regions continue to grow, we’ll need to name more places including new streets, parks, community facilities and buildings. Over the next 3 years there will be more than 6,000 new places to name in Victoria. Based on current trends, approximately 25% of these names will commemorate a person. We want to make sure that new place names recognise the people who helped make our communities thriving places.
Anyone who has left a lasting legacy can be nominated. For example, the person may have been known for community and volunteer work, healthcare, science, architecture and building, sport, arts, public or military service.
The campaign led by Geographic Names Victoria (GNV), is part of a broader program to help increase diversity and equality in commemorative place naming in Victoria. Nominations for individuals from groups currently under-represented in Victoria’s place names are especially encouraged. This includes women, First Peoples, LGBTQIA+, people with a disability, and people from multicultural backgrounds.
You can make a nomination simply by filling out the form on Engage Victoria with details of the lasting legacy of the person to be commemorated. Nominations will be added to a council name bank to be considered when places need naming.
GNV oversees the naming and registration of roads, features, and localities in Victoria. This includes supporting naming authorities and communities to make informed and inclusive decisions about new place names. Geographic place naming helps to ensure we protect our cultural heritage by celebrating the people and communities who have helped make Victoria a thriving place.
Let’s commemorate people from all backgrounds, identities and walks of life to ensure place naming reflects the rich diversity of our communities.
Nominations are open until 31 January 2025. For more information and to make a nomination, visit the Engage Victoria website.
Page last updated: 11/12/24