Have an idea for a suburb name? The ACT Government wants to hear from you
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Put your hand up if you think that some of Canberra’s suburb names are, eye-watering, yawn-inducing, and downright boring?
You’re not alone. It’s been something of a discussion in the nation’s capital before (The Canberra Times even ran a story in November of 2023 titled ‘Let’s change Canberra’s boring suburb names to better ones‘), but now those who feel they have bigger and better suggestions finally have the chance to spruce up the suburbs – the ACT Government is asking for help naming Canberra’s suburbs and public places.
But before you whip out the pen and start jotting down ideas (something inspired by roundabouts perhaps? Our beautiful native flora and fauna? Maybe something dedicated to our trusty winter uniform – the Kathmandu puffer jacket?) there are some things you need to know.
Asking for expressions of interest from Canberrans to join the ACT Place Names Advisory Committee, the ACT Government is searching for 12 members to be appointed by the Minister for Planning for a three-year term. During your time on the committee (which will be appointed on 1 July 2024 to serve through to 30 June 2027) you will work with the other members to shape our city by commemorating Australians and Indigenous culture through the naming of suburbs and public places, including roads, parks and geographical features.
According to ACT Surveyor-General Greg Ledwidge, the committee will play a vital role in the Canberra community.
“Committee members will share their experience and knowledge across a broad range of expertise including Australian history and heritage, cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, urban planning, communication, to contribute to the naming of new suburbs as part of a modern and inclusive Canberra,” he says.
“We are now inviting people from all backgrounds to apply to be appointed to the advisory committee, especially those with an understanding of our city’s natural and built environment and people having a strong connection to the local community.”
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with a culturally and linguistically diverse background are strongly encouraged to apply as well as people with a knowledge of local heritage and Australian history.”
Okay, so it sounds like they’re looking for some well-researched and meaningful suggestions, but you can’t tell us that Kathmandu, Canberra doesn’t have a nice ring to it…
Interested in applying? Applications close Thursday 29 February. To apply, visit the JobsACT website or the Diversity Register.
