Have your say on proposed name for community centre

A community centre to be built in Donnybrook in the coming years could bear the name of an Indigenous plant linked to the Wurundjeri people.  

The City of Whittlesea is proposing to name the health and education hub planned for 183 Olivine Boulevard the ‘Murnong Community Centre’.  

Murnong means ‘yam daisy’ in the Woi Wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people. The roots of Murnong plants were an important traditional food source for many Aboriginal people.  

Last year, the City of Whittlesea invited residents to provide feedback on three proposed names for the facility, with Murnong Community Centre proving the most popular choice.  

The community centre in Donnybrook is anticipated to open in 2025 and will include a kindergarten, Maternal and Child Health services, library hub, community hall and kitchen and meeting rooms for hire. 

City of Whittlesea Administrator Christian Zahra AM said Council had consulted closely with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation during the process.  

He said the name ‘Murnong’ aligns 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,” Mr Zahra 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 Monday, 1 May 2023 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. Visit www.land.vic.gov.au/place-naming for more information on the principles. 

Feedback can be provided via:  

Online: engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/donnybrookcentre  

Email: communityinfrastructure@whittlesea.vic.gov.au  

Phone: 9217 2153  

Post: Community Infrastructure Coordinator, Strategic Projects  

          City of Whittlesea, Locked Bag 1, Bundoora MDC VIC 3083