The ACT Place Names Advisory Committee is calling on Canberrans to help increase the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and women in the city’s place names.
Welcoming the Committee’s initiative, the Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman said the Advisory Committee was seeking input on place names for two parks in Kingston and Campbell.
Mr Gentleman said the Advisory Committee was also seeking input on a proposal to co-name a suburb in recognition of Australia’s first female political candidate, Catherine Helen Spence.
“We have received a recommendation from the ACT Place Names Advisory Committee to name an area of approximately 3,500 square metres of grassed open space in Trevillian Quay, in the Kingston Foreshore Estate, to recognise Mr Alfred Stafford MBE,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Mr Stafford, a driver for several federal ministers from the late 1930s until the early 1970s, and official driver for Prime Minister Robert Menzies during the 1950s, was a well-respected Kingston local of Gamilaroi and Darug heritage.”
He said the Committee was also seeking suggestions of names of female Australian Defence Force members who could be considered for the large park behind the Campbell shops, between White Crescent and Blamey Place.
Mr Gentleman said Canberrans could have their say on a proposal to co-name the suburb of Spence after social and political reformer, author and journalist, Catherine Helen Spence.
“The suburb is currently named after William Guthrie Spence, trade unionist and politician,” the Minister said.
“To increase the representation of women commemorated in our suburb names, we’d like to co-name the suburb to include Catherine Helen Spence, Australia’s first female political candidate and a lifelong campaigner for electoral reform.”
He said co-naming the suburb would not change the suburb name or any addresses, it would simply involve a sign being placed at the entry to the suburb explaining the two origins for the name.
“Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people represent our diverse and inclusive community,” Mr Gentleman said.
“They should be recognised and celebrated in ACT place names.”
Further information on the consultations can be accessed at this PS News link.
