The conversation

Phase 1 Engagement encouraged the local community and stakeholders to share their unique connections and memories of Fishermans Bend. The information shared was used to inform the draft Fishermans Bend Place Naming Framework.

What we did

We sought feedback from the local community and stakeholders via:

  • an online survey
  • an interactive map to identify places with unique history
  • 6 focus groups
  • 4 interactive workshops
  • 1 community pop up

The consultation was open from 28 August to 9 October 2023.

We also engaged with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAC) throughout the preparation of the draft Naming Framework.

Interactive map of Fishermans Bend

During Phase 1 Engagement we asked the community if they had a story to share about a unique person, place or experience in Fishermans Bend. These are displayed in the map below.

  • Green pins: ideas and memories of Fishermans Bend in the present and the past.
  • Blue pins: ideas related to Fishermans Bend’s future.

Who we heard from

  • 3670 website views

  • 65 survey responses

  • 16 map contributions

  • 20 focus group participants

  • 35 pop up participants

  • 20 workshop participants

What we heard

The most common naming themes across all names suggested by the community and other engagement activities were:
  • Industrial heritage and innovation
    • Including technology, port, marine, automotive and aviation
  • Indigenous language, culture and heritage
    • Pre-settlement history, Aboriginal language and culture
  • Natural environment and connection to water
    • Native plants, wildlife, historical wetlands, strengthening connections to the waterfront, Westgate Park, integrating and preserving nature, and plentiful green spaces in the future
  • Remembering people
    • References to historical figures who have made an important contribution to the area, pioneers in industry, migrants, veterans, women, local characters, and family members
Most participants’ memories and comments about the past related to
  • Industrial heritage and innovation
  • Natural environment and connection to water
  • Atmosphere, culture, community, identity
    • Rough and gritty, working class, a place of pride and aspirations, transient
  • Recreation and leisure
    • Including local connections with football teams and sports people, golf, cycling and running
Participants’ comments about their aspirations for Fishermans Bend centred around:
  • Transport and connectivity
    • Aspirations for a walkable and connected precinct with better public and active transport
  • Natural environment and connection to water
    • Including sustainable design, eco-friendly built environment and transport, beautiful and well-designed urban environment
  • Mixed use and amenity
    • A place to live, work, place and learn
    • Things for everyone to do
    • Local business/retail, dining, markets and events
  • Atmosphere, culture, community, identity
    • Friendly, safe, community connections, diversity
  • Recreation and leisure
    • Meeting spots, sports centres, recreational fishing spots, cycling, boardwalks
When we asked participants to reflect on the purpose and value of place names, we heard the following themes are important
  • General history, evolution and balancing different perspectives
  • Simple, easy to pronounce or sound good
  • Artmosphere, culture, community, identity
  • Practical, locational and directional (gives an indication of its location or helpful for navigation)
  • Educate and inspire curiosity (sharing the story behind the name and provide references that remind you why a street is named something)
  • Reflect Indigenous language, culture and heritage
Some comments and conversation about these themes related to specific locations

These themes are shown in the map.

A graphic illustration represents industrial locations on a colour coded map of Fishermans Bend, Melbourne.

Examples of what we heard

  • “Naming is one of the first stages of telling the story of a place.”

    Focus group participant

  • "The more meaningful, the better – use names that give place richness.”

    Focus group participant

  • "Names should reflect the culture and history of Melbourne.”

    Survey participant

  • "Fishermans bend was colloquially referred to as ‘Siberia’ because it was so cold and isolated.”

    Focus group participant

Examples of place or road names suggested by participants:

  • Barring-buluk: Provided in an online survey and meaning, “many footprints” in Boonwurrung language. The participant commented that the name speaks to the history and important future of the land, providing a strong cultural connection.

  • Wackett: Name after Lawrence Wackett, an aircraft designer, pilot, and entrepreneur associated with the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation during the war period.

  • Billows: A personal account of Mrs Billows, the spouse of a local Fisherman near Sandridge Beach in Fishermans Bend who left a lasting impression.

Impact

What we heard about the rich stories, memories and connections that the local community and stakeholders attach to Fishermans Bend will inform development of the place naming themes, principles and protocols within the Fishermans Bend Place Naming Framework.

Next steps

The draft Fishermans Bend Place Naming Framework is available for community feedback and review from 7 July until 7 September 2025. Find more details and have your say.

Place Naming in Fishermans Bend