Three people holding framed award certificates, standing around an easel that holds an award plaque. In the background of the photo, banners for Geographic Names Victoria and Vicmap are visible.
From left to right: Baw Baw Shire Council representative Dominique Foenander and Brimbank City Council representatives Wambui Thirimu and Uncle Shane Charles.

11 November 2025

Two Victorian councils have been recognised for outstanding work in community commemoration and cultural reconciliation through place naming.

Each year, Geographic Names Victoria presents the Excellence in Geographic Place Naming award to naming authorities who have made an outstanding contribution in geographic place naming.

This year, the winners were:

Angela Malacarne Park

Baw Baw Shire Council was recognised for naming Angela Malacarne Park. This park recognises Angela Malacarne’s contributions to the community of Yarragon and lifelong connection to the site of the park.

The park is located at the former Yarragon Primary School, where Angela Malacarne was both a student and later a teacher for almost 40 years. A comprehensive consultation process demonstrated the overwhelming community support for naming this park after the former teacher.

yaluk barring park

Brimbank City Council and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation were recognised for the naming of yaluk barring park. Their naming process demonstrated a commitment to reconciliation and working in collaboration with Traditional Owners to restore First Nations language to place names.

yaluk barring means ‘river trail’ in Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung language. The park is located where 3 rivers meet. The area holds cultural significance to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.

The awards were presented by Craig Sandy, Registrar of Geographic Names.

"It is fantastic to see Victoria’s naming authorities taking these steps to increase diversity and equality in geographic place naming, through the use of First Nations languages and female commemorative names.”

Victoria’s naming authorities play an important role in ensuring consistent and appropriate geographic place naming for the benefit of all Victorians.

Congratulations to these deserving winners and all the naming authorities who were nominated for this award.

Find out more about the award winners:

Do you know a local hero who should be commemorated in a place name? Make a nomination through our Remember a Local – Name a Place campaign today.

Read more about place naming in Victoria:

Page last updated: 11/11/25