Turra Family Pavilion named
Trafalgar’s newest sporting pavilion will be named after the Turra family.
The yet to be officially opened multi-purpose pavilion, at the Trafalgar sporting precinct, will carry the name of the family that owned the land where the pavilion and soccer fields have been developed.
A report to council said despite having offers from other buyers, the family allowed council to purchase the land for a future recreation precinct.
“This generosity has allowed future generations to use and enjoy this space and has greatly increased the amenity of the area for Trafalgar residents, and the broader community,” the report said.
Council was told the name also would recognise the contribution of many members of the Turra family in many clubs and organisations over many decades in the Trafalgar community.
A report to council said Mick Bourke presented a formal proposal to council earlier this year, requesting council consider naming the new pavilion the Turra Family Pavilion.
Officers said the proposal submitted by Mr Bourke extensively outlines the achievements of the Turra family, their history and direct connections to the area.
“The Turra family have a clear connection to this particular site given their direct involvement in ensuring it was available to purchase by council for the communities continuing use and enjoyment,” the report said.
Officers said given the name related to a building, there was no legislative obligation to apply the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria.
However, the report said council had undertaken due diligence by carefully applying the rules to safeguard against future embarrassment or changing community attitudes.
The Naming Rules for Places in Victoria recommend names of people who are still alive should be avoided because community attitudes and opinions can change over time.
In exceptional circumstances, if a naming authority such as council wishes to name a place after a living person, it can apply in writing to the registrar to seek exemption.
There were no community objections to naming the pavilion after the Turra family.
However, community feedback supported it being named the Turra Pavilion rather than Turra Family Pavilion.
Cr Darren Wallace acknowledged Mr Bourke for putting together the proposal
“The Turra name certainly needs to be recognised. This prime piece of real estate was once owned by the Turra family,” he said.
Cr Wallace said the land became a blank canvas of ideas to develop a recreation precinct thanks to the Turra family.
Cr Michael Leaney said it was a brilliant facility and something that will be valued well and truly into the future.
“To have the Turra name associated with it for all that they’ve done is appropriate,” he said.
Cr Jazmin Tauru said the name acknowledged the incredible generosity of the Turra family when they had offers from other developers but chose to sell the land to council.