Phase 2 engagement ran from July to September 2025. We asked our community for feedback on the draft Naming Framework to make sure it reflected their local connections to Fishermans Bend.

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation have been engaged throughout the project and have provided support for the final Naming Framework.

83% of online survey respondents said the draft Naming Framework naming themes captured diverse local stories (very well, well or somewhat). 84% thought it was easy to understand (very easy, easy, neither easy or difficult). 74% believed it supported gender equity in place naming (very well, well or somewhat).  

Key feedback included support for:

• a thoughtful, comprehensive approach, which is easy to apply
• the five naming themes’ ability to represent the area’s diverse character
• ensuring the relevant Traditional Owner group is engaged on future naming opportunities 
• information to educate the community on the meaning and pronunciation of future place names within the public realm
• representing local history, current day and future aspirations
• integrating the approach to places within large landholdings in the EIA and Lorimer precincts, such as Westgate Park. 

Some feedback also suggested:

• minor edits to graphics, wording and references to statutory naming processes.

Some feedback raised concerns about:

• future names being complex or difficult to spell
• too much information being provided
• gender equity in future place naming limiting commemorative naming opportunities and becoming the deciding factor for future place naming.

Community feedback was mostly supportive across all engagement activities. Changes made to the draft Fishermans Bend Place Naming Framework based on our community’s feedback include:

• emphasising the importance of educational information to support new place names (for example providing name meaning and correct pronunciation on signage)
• the ability to periodically review approved names to ensure there is representation of all naming themes
• edits to wording, images, graphics to improve the usability of document.

We have also captured place names suggested during consultation in an internal database for consideration in future place naming. Name submissions are welcome via: Suggest a new place or road name.

The Fishermans Bend Place Naming Framework will be considered for adoption by Council at the 3 March 2026 Future Melbourne Committee meeting.

Phase 1 Engagement shared information about the importance of creating a Place Naming Framework for Fishermans Bend, and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.