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Naming places, features and localities is an important way to recognise and celebrate the diversity in our communities and preserve Aboriginal languages.

Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) supports naming authorities and communities to make informed and inclusive decisions around new place names, and in some cases the renaming of existing places.

Aboriginal place naming

Learn how Aboriginal languages and Traditional Owner knowledge can be recognised through place naming.

Commemorative naming

Learn how commemorative place names recognise people, groups and events that have contributed to Victorian communities.

This includes information about inclusive commemorative naming, Victoria's gender equality target and support available through Our equal places.

Multicultural naming

Place names help us to identify important historic and culturally significant locations and features.

They commemorate and acknowledge our past and help us understand ourselves and our place in society. Place names can also provide our community with a reference point for what makes us unique.

Victoria has a diverse multicultural community. Naming in Victoria is encouraged to reflect our multicultural society while also adhering to key principles in the naming rules.

Multicultural names in Australian English are accepted. In some circumstances, names taken from a language other than English may also be accepted, but they must be written in Australian English.

An image of the Warrior Woman Lane street sign. The sign is deep blue with white letters, with the sky, part of a building facade, the tops of distant trees and the blue sky in the background.

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Warrior Woman Lane in Carlton was named after Lisa Bellear. She was a Minjungbul, Goernpil, Noonuccal and South Sea Islander woman from Minjerribah and was born in Naarm (Melbourne). She was a prolific activist, photographer, broadcaster, poet, feminist, politician, comedian, academic and performer.
A photo of the green street sign for Vlajnic Lane against blue sky in the background.

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When naming, it is important to recognise Victoria's rich multicultural community. Mirko Vlajnic was the founder of the Fitzroy Soccer Club and was commemorated for their contribution to the local Serbian community.
An image of an expanse of green fields, dark green tree tops, and buildings in the far distance.

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Located in Wadawurrung Country, Mount Clear, is the Woowookarung Regional Park. Here, the Traditional Owners know the importance of the Wadawarrung language and named this beautiful area Woowookarung, meaning place of plenty. Aboriginal place names are important for preserving culture and language and protecting communities.

Naming rules for places in Victoria

Understand the principles and requirements that apply when naming or renaming roads, features and localities.

Naming authorities should consider diversity and inclusion throughout the naming process, including when developing names, consulting communities and assessing proposals.

Contact Geographic Names Victoria if you need advice about a naming proposal.

Page last updated: 02/11/26