Councillors endorse official name for sporting precinct

Published on 08 July 2021

The Mildura region’s biggest and most eagerly-awaited community sporting venue is a step closer to having an official name after Councillors last night endorsed Mildura Sporting Precinct as the preferred name.

The decision follows an invitation to the community earlier this year to submit suggestions for the official name of the venue, which takes in the entire footprint of the site.

Following the conclusion of this process two names were shortlisted based on Geographic Names Victoria rules – Marngrook Sporting Precinct and Mildura Sporting Precinct. 

Residents were asked to provide their feedback on these two names, with 76% of 287 respondents indicating their preference for Mildura Sporting Precinct.

Councillors last night considered this feedback and endorsed the community’s preferred name.

Mildura Mayor Jason Modica thanked those who participated in the naming process.

“The Mildura South Regional Sporting Precinct, as it has been known through the construction phase, is very much about community,” Cr Modica said.

“It’s about providing increased opportunities for our community to participate in sport, it’s about increased opportunities for jobs growth and economic stimulus through major events, so it’s only right that our community play a major role in naming this landmark venue.

“It’s been great to see the level of community engagement this process has generated, and I’d encourage more residents to participate in opportunities like this in the future.”

The Mayor said despite the majority of respondents favouring Mildura Sporting Precinct in this instance, Council understood the importance of recognising the region’s Indigenous heritage.

“Our region’s Indigenous heritage is part of our community’s story, and something we certainly value, which is why we also committed last night to the immediate preparation of a cultural strategy, enabling our community to participate in building a deeper understanding of what Mildura is, and will become,” Cr Modica said.

“This will provide a more complete and respectful picture of our region, binding together our unique indigenous, settler, creative and multicultural heritage.” 

Councillors also committed to providing the community with further opportunities to celebrate Indigenous history and culture, such as naming of important community facilities and co-naming local places with their Aboriginal counterpart.

Geographic Names Victoria rules dictate objections to the endorsed name must be taken for 30 days. Objections must be received by 5pm Friday 6 August.

Objections can be submitted by visiting mildura.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay

ENDS