New people for place names
Three new community representatives have been appointed to Baw Baw Shire’s places names advisory committee.
Liz Jensz, MaryRoyce Hall and Cheryl Drayton will take up positions on the committee for the next four years, with existing members Malcolm Dickson and Rosemary Blackley.
Council also noted the contribution of John Parker who resigned from the committee.
The committee was formed in 2012 and consists of independent community members, councillors and staff.
Its role is to provide appropriate advice and recommendations on place naming issues and share ideas and knowledge on how roads and features can be named within the shire.
Community members will serve four year terms.
As per the proposed updated terms of reference, council also appointed a Kurnai representative in Cheryl Drayton.
Cr Jessica O’Donnell said she hoped Ms Drayton would ensure place names reflected the indigenous history of the community.
Cr Keith Cook said Ms Drayton was an elder and advisor in indigenous language and culture, so would be a great asset.
Cr Cook said MaryRoyce Hall was from Jindivick and had a long interest in history and many community organisations.
He said Liz Jensz had been involved with the Ficifolia Festival and Drouin Cemetery Trust.
Cr O’Donnell acknowledged the contribution of Mr Parker to the committee, saying he brought experience and passion to the committee.
“John also chairs the Friends of the Arts Centre committee. He will be sorely missed on the places names committee but this won’t be the last time he gives us a hand,” she said.
Cr Darren Wallace said Mr Parker was the 23rd surveyor-general of Victoria, chairman of the Committee for Geographical Names in Australasia (CGNA) and also chairman of the Asia South-East, Pacific South-West Division of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names.
“He is an imminent person when it comes to place names,” he said.