Macedon Ranges Shire Council has finalised a proposed name for the Lancefield Kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health service (MCH), following consultation with stakeholders and children.
The new facility, which is currently in development, is proposed to be named Lancefield Childrens Centre.
Shortlisted options were forwarded to Geographic Names Victoria (GNV), which recommended a three-word limit for building names, however, an exemption was granted to keep one of the names due to its local significance.
The final shortlisted names included Lancefield Family Centre or Lancefield Childrens Centre, Silver Wattle Family Centre or Silver Wattle Childrens Centre, and Bundha Family Centre or Bundha Childrens Centre – Bundha being a Woi-wurrung word meaning ‘unity.’
Council’s Director of Community Maria Weiss said 67 children currently enrolled were shown the list of potential names and had the opportunity to discuss and learn about the proposed names, as well as select a preferred name.
“The children discussed that ‘Lancefield’ as a name was important to them, because it was their home, where they lived, where they rode and walked to kindergarten, and what the current kindergarten was called,” she said.
“While we have consulted broadly on these names, it was really fitting to be able to provide the current kinder kids with this opportunity to directly be involved and help set a legacy for future kinder attendees.”
Children at Lancefield Kindergarten were asked to make a decision on the proposed name in support of Council’s Municipal Early Years Plan 2021-25.
A plaque will be installed in the kindergarten to honour their involvement in the naming project consultation.
Council welcomes any feedback on the process behind the proposed name until August 30.
Feedback will be considered in the process of finalising the facility name with GNV.
To have your say, visit www.yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au/naming-new-lancefield-kinder.
Further information on the project can be found at Council’s website or on the VSBA website at www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/lancefield-kindergarten.
