Why are we naming these parks?

A number of parks across Ballarat do not yet have official names, or are known by informal names that don’t meet Victoria’s state naming rules. As our city grows, it’s important that public spaces are clearly and consistently named. Official names help people find places more easily, including through maps, digital platforms and emergency services.

What is this project about?

This project is about giving these parks proper, recognised names that reflect Ballarat’s history, identity and community.

Have your say

We’re inviting you to suggest names for a number of unnamed or informally named parks across Ballarat. This is your chance to help shape your suburb and create names with local meaning.

Celebrating our community

This is also an opportunity to improve representation in place naming. Many important stories,especially those of women and other underrepresented people, are missing from our maps. Your suggestions can help recognise local people, histories and contributions that deserve to be remembered.

Anyone can submit a name, even if you don't live near the reserve or park. We welcome suggestions from individuals, schools, community groups and organisations across Ballarat.

Yes! Community feedback is important, in phase 2 of the project, chosen names will be presented to the community for feedback.

This gives residents the opportunity to share their feedback before the name is sent to Councillors for endorsement

Not all suggestions can be shortlisted, but every submission is carefully reviewed against the Naming Rules for Victoria.

Suggestions that meet the criteria will be shortlisted for Phase 2 or added to a bank of approved names for future use across the municipality.

If your suggestion isn’t selected for Phase 2, you’ll still have the opportunity to have your say by providing feedback on the shortlisted names before a final decision is made.

Council officers will review all suggestions to ensure they meet the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria.

Shortlisted names will be those that are appropriate, compliant, and have a strong connection to the local area, history or community. Councillors will be briefed on the shortlisted names before Phase 2 opens for community feedback.

To help us review your idea, please keep the following in mind:

1. Follow the naming rules

  • Keep names short and easy to understand
  • Ensure they are appropriate for public use Avoid commercial or business names

2. Check the name is unique

  • Avoid names that are too similar to nearby parks, streets or landmarks
  • Unique names help prevent confusion, especially for emergency services

3. Think about local connection

  • Consider links to the local area, history, culture or environment
  • What makes this park special?

4. Not all names can be approved

  • Some suggestions may not meet state naming requirements
  • Council must follow the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria
  • We encourage suggestions that recognise women, First Nations people, and other underrepresented groups in Ballarat’s history.

Naming a place after a person

In Victoria, places are sometimes named to honour people who have made a meaningful contribution to the community.

If you’re suggesting a person’s name, please keep the following in mind:

Community respect

The person should be well-regarded and have a positive connection to the community.

Connection to the area

Their life, work or contribution should have a link to the local area.

Family consent

We make every effort to seek permission from the person’s family. Only people who have passed away Places are not named after people who are still living.

These guidelines help ensure place names respectfully reflect our shared history and community.