By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
GREATER Dandenong Council has finally settled for Harmony Square as the name for its giant civic square but not without a note of discord.
On Monday night, councillors endorsed the name – more than 12 months after the square was open and after two rounds of public consultation.
More than half of 170 public submitters opted for the name ahead of the other shortlisted options International Square, Opportunity Square, Welcome Square and Wurundjeri Square.
A council report on Monday night stated the name reflected Greater Dandenong’s “embracing culture where people of all ages and stages can live in peace and harmony”.
Cr Matthew Kirwan said the name captured the “essence of Dandenong”. “The essence of our city is it’s a multicultural city.”
Cr Roz Blades said she’d back the popular choice, though preferring Wurundjeri Square in recognition of the region’s original inhabitants.
Other councillors lauded the name for representing the inclusion of diverse groups and nationalities.
Cr John Kelly labelled the name a “fluffy word” that didn’t “gel” with him.
He referred to the recent lack of harmony when the square was beset with brawls and assaults.
“I’d like to leave it without a name.
“It means zilch to me. It means nothing to a lot of people in this city.”
Cr Peter Brown preferred the current moniker “the civic square”, saying Harmony Square lacked “essence”.
Cr Kirwan retorted that it was “disrespectful” for councillors to endorse the shortlist and then dismiss the community’s choice.
The square on the corner of Thomas and Walker streets has proven a popular stage for live entertainment, sport on the big screen and ‘Dandenong on Wheels’.
The name will be formally submitted to the Office of Geographic Names for endorsement.
Greater Dandenong business director Paul Kearsley said on Monday that the name – when ticked by the OGN – could be possibly celebrated with large writing on the square’s grassy knoll.
