New name proposed for Bendigo’s Athletics Complex

Aligned with the City of Greater Bendigo’s Reconciliation Plan Barpangu 2021-2025, a new name - La Birpa Athletics Complex - is being proposed for La Trobe University Bendigo Athletics Complex with Council calling on the community to comment on the proposed name.

La Birpa means ‘a place to run’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language.

The proposed name change follows the 2020 acquisition of the athletics complex in Retreat Road, Flora Hill by the City of Greater Bendigo from La Trobe University.

City Healthy Communities and Environments Acting Director Michelle Wyatt said a new name for the complex that did not reference La Trobe University was now required.

Wyatt advises “The naming of existing and new City-owned facilities in Traditional Owner language is in line with the City’s Reconciliation Plan Barpangu 2021-2025 and our strong commitment to supporting Aboriginal place naming and the use of Traditional Owner language in public spaces across the municipality.

“Naming of all roads, features and localities in Victoria needs to follow the statutory requirements of the Naming rules for places in Victoria – Statutory requirements for naming roads, features and localities – 2022.

“The renaming process of the complex started in 2021, however the 2022 naming rules document has since been released and replaces any previous version.

“This means the 2021 naming proposal La Bir Pa Bendigo Athletics Complex no longer complies due to its length and the City now needs to begin the naming process again to ensure compliance with the 2022 naming rules.

“The proposed name for the complex is now La Birpa Athletics Complex. This name has been approved following consultation with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation.”

Members of the public can provide feedback on the proposed name via the City’s Let’s Talk Greater Bendigo website https://letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/renaming-bendigo-athletics-complex by Wednesday 24th May 2023.

All submissions must comply with Naming rules for places in Victoria – Statutory requirements for naming roads, features and localities – 2022. At a minimum, submissions or objections (including petitions and pro-forma documents) should explain:

• The person’s or group’s interest in the naming proposal – for example if their address is affected or whether they have a personal link with the place and/or name

• Reasons for the name being appropriate/inappropriate, suitable/unsuitable or supported/unsupported, including how it does and does not comply with the Naming Rules (naming principles/process)