City of Casey commits to transparent naming of community spaces

Melbourne’s City of Casey has unanimously endorsed a three-year Forward Works Program for the naming and registration of council-owned reserves and community facilities, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, community involvement, and good governance.

The newly adopted 2025-2028 Forward Works Program outlines a proactive and structured approach to formalising names for both new and existing sites across the municipality.

Explaining the move, City of Casey Mayor, Stefan Koomen advised “this plan helps us clearly show the community which sites we’re looking to name.

“It’s about making the process open and giving people a chance to be involved.”

The plan categorises naming priorities into three areas: new capital works projects, future passive reserves in growth areas, and existing unnamed or unofficially named reserves. All naming will be undertaken in accordance with the Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) Naming Rules for Places in Victoria, ensuring consistency, cultural sensitivity, and compliance with state guidelines.

The Council says community consultation will be a key part of the naming process. Council will engage with residents, Traditional Owner groups such as the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and families where commemorative names are proposed.

Mayor Koomen added “we want people to feel proud of the places they live and visit.

“By involving the community, we make sure the names we choose are meaningful and respectful.”

The Forward Works Program is available on Council’s website and outlines naming priorities for the next three financial years.

Image: The City of Casey's Margaret Owens Playground. Credit: City of Casey.