Welcome to Worwong Avenue
Published on 22 December 2021
A great step was taken on our reconciliation journey as we warmly welcomed the address Worwong Avenue to replace Blacks Camp Road in Somerville.
After public consultation in August 2020 you showed your support for the renaming of Blacks Camp Road. Worwong Avenue was chosen as the preferred name. Worwong is the traditional name for the area and was supported by the Bunurong Land Council due to the important cultural history of the site.
The name 'Blacks Camp' was a derogatory term which is inappropriate to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. In 2004 an archaeological report told us there was four Aboriginal sites on Blacks Camp Road and it’s likely the road was named due to knowledge of Aboriginal peoples living in this area.
As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan we aim to change derogatory place names in consultation with Traditional Owners and our community so we can celebrate Bunurong/Boon Wurrung history and cultural heritage.
The Registrar of Geographic Names Victoria approved Worwong Avenue, Somerville and published it in the Victoria Government Gazette on Thursday 18 November 2021.
We've now achieved the removal of derogatory place names in the area after previously renaming:
- Tillerkite pre-school from Blacks Camp pre-school
- Beek Beek Reserve from Blacks Camp Reserve.
We worked in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council and we want to thank our community for voting for your preferences. This is a positive step forward to respect and promote Aboriginal histories and cultural heritage.
To find out more about our Reconciliation Action Plan visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/RAP
Quote attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:
“Renaming the road, pre-school and reserve has been an opportunity to pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and provides a platform for further community education.”
Quote attributable to Watson Ward Councillor Paul Mercurio:
“Our community really came together to show their support for changing these names in Somerville. It’s been wonderful to work collaboratively to recognise the significance of this Aboriginal land.”
Quote attributable to Inter Council Aboriginal Consultative Committee member and Seawinds Ward Councillor Kerri McCafferty:
“We’ve worked closely with the Bunurong Land Council to choose names respectful to our cultural history and identity. As a local Council, making changes like this is essential to celebrate and respect the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on the Peninsula.”