We're seeking community feedback on our Draft Place Naming Policy for roads, sports facilities, buildings, open spaces and other public places and things across Greater Geelong.
The City is responsible for allocating names that recognise and reflect our region's culture, heritage, landscape and identity. All names must meet the state government's naming rules for places in Victoria , in line with the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 .
As there are relatively few places, artworks or monuments that honour women in Victoria, the draft policy aims to better represent our diverse population by increasing the visibility of women, First Nations people and underrepresented cultural groups through prioritised commemorative naming. Priority ranking would occur until a more balanced and inclusive representation is achieved.
This aligns with a target in the Victorian Government's Our equal state: Victoria's gender equality strategy and action plan for 70 per cent of new road, placename and landmark requests named after people.
The Put Her Name On It project recognises the City as a leader in this space over the last three years, with seven out of eight road names recognising women following community consultation. They include:
- Amphlett Way, Geelong honours the late Divinyls frontwoman Chrissy Amphlett who was from Belmont. The trailblazing performer paved the way for other women in rock 'n' roll and changed the music industry. Her husband Charley Drayton and cousin Little Patty supported the naming.
- Brennan Street, Thomson recognises Geelong's own Betty Brennan, who enlisted with the Royal Australian Air Force in 1944. She attained the rank of Aircraftwoman and was discharged in 1946.
- Devine Street, Charlemont pays tribute to Kathleen Devine who served as a nurse on a military hospital ship between 1917 and 1919. The Barwon Heads woman worked as an Infant Welfare Nurse until her death in 1947.
- Duve Street, Marshall celebrates sisters Margaret, Betty and Patricia Duve who served during World War 2 in the Australian Women's Army Service.
- Gilliland Street, Charlemont honours Winifred Gilliland who trained as a nurse in Geelong and served during World War 1. She was awarded the Royal Red Cross medal.
- Wise Street, Charlemont celebrates Lillian Wise who left Geelong to serve as a Signalwoman during World War 2.
The Draft Place Naming Policy has already been informed by City officers, the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Cultura. If adopted, it will require community consultation for all naming proposals.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
The City is responsible for naming places and assets across the region.The Draft Place Naming Policy will establish a clear and consistent process for creating new names and renaming.
The names of places and objects matter to our community, so we encourage everyone to have their say.
Councillor Melissa Cadwell
The draft policy will help to shape a shared identity that reflects our region's values as a clever, creative and caring community.By increasing the visibility of women, First Nations people and underrepresented cultural groups, the proposed policy would be a first step in the City addressing some of the historical imbalances and support greater cultural recognition.
This is a chance to shine a light on the many rich and interesting true stories of local people and groups who have shaped our region.
