Southern Grampians Shire Commemorative Name Bank

Southern Grampians Shire Council is creating a community name bank to help identify suitable names for future roads and public places. We are seeking nominations of people who have made a significant contribution to our community and whose legacy deserves recognition. The register will provide an immediate reference of names approved under State regulations for future naming opportunities.

The initiative forms part of the Victorian Government-backed Put Her Name On It campaign, which aims to create more balanced and representative recognition of the people who have contributed to communities across Victoria.

Council has recently completed a preliminary audit of commemorative road names across the municipality. The audit found that while 186 roads were named after individuals, more than 80 per cent recognise men, with fewer than 10 per cent recognising women.

The purpose of the name bank is not to ensure that all future naming is dominated by one group, but to support a strategic and considered approach that helps address existing imbalances over time and promotes more balanced and representative recognition across the municipality.

Names nominated for the name bank will;

• Undergo a mandatory pre-screen through the VicNames check
• Abide by strict commemorative guidelines including the posthumous rule and Gender equality rule
• Be approved by Traditional Owners where First Nations names and words are nominated
• Be displayed for community consultation and approval
• Governance structure for PHNOI to provide external representation input to advise recommendations for Council considerations
• Be clearly categorised

This process will ensure consistency with state and Federal legislation and Council Policy specifically the Community Engagement Policy, Plaques and Memorials Policy and the Reconciliation Action Plan / Reconciliation commitments.