Names squaring up

THE five potential names for Dandenong’s new Civic Square are in – and out for public comment.
Harmony Square, International Square, Opportunity Square, Welcome Square and Wurundjeri Square made the cut after the City of Greater Dandenong received more than 160 responses to its callout last year.
Mayor Sean O’Reilly and councillors compiled the shortlist in line with strict Office of Geographic Names Victoria guidelines.
“Submissions ranged from those echoing the history of the area to those that reflected how residents related to, or felt about the space,” Cr O’Reilly said.
Harmony represents coming together as a harmonious community for all while International refers to the square being a gathering place for the municipality’s international community.
Opportunity embraces the city’s spirit of hope and opportunity for all, Welcome refers to the space’s purpose as a welcoming community meeting place and Wurundjeri would honour the community’s past and shared identity as Australians.
The space on the corner of Lonsdale and Walker streets officially opened last April.
It’s been dubbed the Federation Square of the south east, mostly for the seven-metre wide digital screen that will host locally produced film content and shared content from further afield.
It will accommodate large-scale outdoor events, offers smaller spaces to sit and relax and will become a focal point for community events and celebrations.
The council is urging residents to share their thoughts on the shortlist before 28 February.
Email namethatplace@cgd.vic.gov.au, visit www.greaterdandenong.com or www.facebook.com/greaterdandenong or write to Name that Place, City of Greater Dandenong, PO Box 200, Dandenong, Victoria 3175.