A community centre that is anticipated to be open in Donnybrook by 2025 could carry the name of an Indigenous plant connected to the Wurundjeri people.
City of Whittlesea is proposing the health and education hub, located at 184 Olivine Boulevard, to be named as the Murnong Community Centre – with Murnong meaning ‘yam daisy’ in the Woi Wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people.
The Murnong plants were an important traditional food source for many Aboriginal people.
Last year City of Whittlesea residents provided feedback on three proposed names for the facility that will include a kindergarten, maternal and child health services, library hub, community hall and kitchen along with meeting rooms for hire.
City of Whittlesea administrator Christian Zahra AM said council had worked with the Wurrundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation during the process.
With Murnong proved as the most popular in community consultation, Mr Zahra said the name aligned with the State Government’s Naming Rules for Places in Victoria and council’s Naming Policy for Features.
“Murnong is reflective of the Indigenous flora found in the landscape of Donnybrook and its surrounds, so it is an apt name for the new community centre,” he said.
“I thank everyone who took part in last year’s public consultation period for their help in coming up with a meaningful name with such strong ties to this area.”
Residents have until 5pm on May 1 to provide feedback on the name before a submission is lodged with Geographic Names Victoria for official endorsement.
Objections must state why the name does not comply with the principles listed in the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria policy.
For more information on the principles, visit www.land.vic.gov.au/place-naming.
