Yawa Aquatic Centre, the new aquatic centre has a name!

Published on 29 July 2020

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is thrilled to announce the official name for our milestone Aquatic Centre being constructed in Rosebud.

Yawa Aquatic Centre

The name decision was made at the Council meeting on Tuesday 28 July 2020 where Councillors considered the results of a community vote on five shortlisted names and decided to endorse Yawa Aquatic Centre as the official name. This decision follows extensive community consultation including the community vote in June 2020. The voting process resulted in the submission of over 5,000 voting surveys on a preferred name for the new Aquatic Centre.

“Yawa” is the local indigenous word for “swim”, or “to swim”. It is a simple and unique name which represents the purpose of the facility. “Yawa” is implicitly local and draws on a language which reflects over 40,000 years of history.

“Yawa Aquatic Centre” creates an opportunity to tell the story of our past and start a conversation about indigenous language and culture for our future. This official name will create a connection with the Peninsula community through place and environment with an approachable, welcoming and positive feel.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillor Mayor Sam Hearn said the naming process for the facility had seen a huge amount of involvement from the community, with many creative and inspiring suggestions put forward by a wide range of community members.

“It’s been encouraging to see so many people sharing the excitement of this new facility and sharing their ideas for a name.”

“A significant number of the community suggestions were for Indigenous names. I’m delighted we can announce Yawa Aquatic Centre as the official name”, he said.

Seawinds Ward Councillor Antonella Celi said "thank you to the community for your support and participation in the naming process. The community decision of  Yawa Aquatic Centre will help establish this facility within our community as a well-known place for recreation and optimal health and wellbeing outcomes. This facility has been many years in the making and widely supported by our community. I am very excited that we now go forward and celebrate with an official name.”

Seawinds Ward Councillor Frank Martin said “for so many community members this facility will mean exciting new job opportunities, something that is increasingly important, and being able to proudly share the meaning behind the name of their place of employment is another positive part of this wonderful story.”

Seawinds Ward Councillor Simon Brooks said “as the community continues to deal with the challenges of Coronavirus, celebrating the name of the new Aquatic Centre is a joyous occasion, and a happy milestone for Council and our community to reach.”

To keep up to date with the Aquatic Centre project milestones visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/yawa.

All Aboriginal names included in the shortlist were endorsed by the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Traditional Owners