Yarragon's Angela Malacarne Park has been announced as the co-winner of the 2025 Excellence in Geographic Naming Award.
Hosted by Geographic Names Victoria and the Registrar of Geographic Names on behalf of the Victorian Government, the official awards ceremony took place on Thursday 23 October in Melbourne.
The award celebrates the process undertaken by Council in naming the park and celebrating Angela Malacarne's unique story.
Currently still under construction, the park is located at the site of the former Yarragon Primary School site where Mrs Malacarne was a teacher for almost 40 years. During her tenure, she taught over 800 local children, later teaching the children of former students.
Typically, commemorative place names are granted posthumously, but in this case, an exception was sought by Council and granted by the Registrar of Geographic Names Victoria, due to her strong lifelong connection to the site and her contributions to the local community.
Through a collaborative process between Council and community, the name was unanimously endorsed in March, following strong support from the Yarragon community.
Council submitted the nomination knowing how unique the naming process was and its significance to local residents.
Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Danny Goss was delighted to accept the award on behalf of Council, Mrs Malacarne and the Yarragon community.
"The name of this park is more than just a title – it tells a story of who we are and what we value as a community. We're incredibly proud to receive this award which celebrates the history of the site and the immeasurable contributions of Mrs Malacarne to the Yarragon community", Cr Goss said.
"With the park close to completion, soon this reimagined space will once again belong to the Yarragon community to enjoy for decades to come."
The project will deliver a new loop walking path, shelter, seating and picnic tables, a drinking fountain, bike racks, rain gardens and new plants and trees.
Construction of the park continues with an opening event expected to take place later in the year.
