2 April 2026

Victoria has met its gender equality target for commemorative place naming, with 70% of new commemorative place names in 2025 recognising women.

This result meets the target set under Our equal state: Victoria’s gender equality strategy and action plan 2023–2027, 2 years ahead of schedule.

The milestone was announced last week by the Minister for Planning at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, following a She Shapes History walking tour through Melbourne’s CBD with the Lord Mayor.

A group of people posing on steps in front of the Queen Victoria Women's Centre, with the building's historic entrance and signage visible behind them. The structure features ornate architecture and iron gates.

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Participants on the She Shapes History walking tour gathered outside the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre in Melbourne - the last stop on the tour!
Three people standing indoors beside Remember a Local - Name a Place display banners, with a screen showing program information in the background.

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Representatives from Gender Equity Victoria and government stand with Remember a Local - Name a Place displays, highlighting the partnership to recognise women through place naming. Left to right: Micaela Drieberg (Gender Equity Victoria), the Hon Sonya Kilkenny MP (Minister for Planning), and Lord Mayor Nick Reece.

Correcting a long-standing imbalance

Commemorative place naming plays a role in how Victoria recognises the people who have shaped its communities.

Historically, women have been significantly underrepresented in Victoria’s place names.

Since 2022, the proportion of new commemorative place names recognising women has increased steadily, rising from 26% to 70% by 2025.

How coordinated action led to results

This progress is the result of coordinated action across the place naming system, including:

  • community nominations expanding the pool of women and gender‑diverse people considered for commemoration
  • naming authorities, particularly local councils, applying a gender lens in place naming decisions
  • system and policy changes that embed gender equity in place naming processes.

Geographic Names Victoria supports naming authorities across the state to deliver consistent, appropriate and representative place naming outcomes.

Continuing to recognise local contributions

Reaching the target early is a significant step, but commemorative naming continues to play an important role in addressing historic gaps in recognition across Victoria.

Do you know someone who has made a lasting contribution to their community?

You can nominate a local hero through the Remember a Local – Name a Place campaign, helping to ensure those who have shaped our communities are recognised in the places we use every day.

Nominations are open to everyone in Victoria and can be submitted through Engage Victoria.

What happens after you nominate:

  • Geographic Names Victoria reviews each nomination and shares them with the relevant local council.
  • Councils add eligible nominations to their local name banks for future consideration.
  • When a new place needs a name, councils look at nominations that meet the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria, focusing on strong local connections and community significance.
  • If a nomination moves forward, councils may contact nominators or families to be part of the process.

You can participate in the Remember a Local – Name a Place campaign through Engage Victoria.

Before making a nomination, review the information below, including eligibility requirements.

Page last updated: 02/04/26