About the name proposal

The Canterbury Community Precinct will be complete in early 2024. The refurbished building at 190A Canterbury Road, Canterbury, will be home to the Canterbury History Group and the Surrey Hills Historical Society.

These two history groups have asked for the building to be named Maling Heritage Centre. This celebrates the historical significance of John Maling. His contribution to the area is recognised in the naming of Maling Road and Maling Ward.

We consulted our community on the proposed name as per:

Community consultation

In November and December 2023, we asked people to have their say on the proposed name.

Of the 77 people who provided feedback:

  • 42% supported the name Maling Heritage Centre
  • 27% suggested naming the centre after a late Aboriginal woman leader - a distinguished Yorta Yorta Elder who lived in Balwyn North and Kew.
  • 22% wanted an Aboriginal name or word
  • 9% suggested another name for the centre.

We consulted the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAC). They advised that they were comfortable with the proposed name of Maling Heritage Centre. They support using the names of non-Aboriginal people if they are respectful and not racist.

They also advised that if there’s support for Aboriginal naming, they'd prefer to use Woi-wurrung language. Their stewardship responsibility is to promote the cultural heritage of the Wurundjeri.

Outcome

A report was presented to Councillors at a Council meeting on Monday 25 March 2024.

This report includes:

  • feedback received during community consultation on the proposed name
  • recommendations for Councillors to consider.

At the meeting, Councillors resolved to formally name the building Maling Heritage Centre.

Next steps

Next, we'll:

  • register the name Maling Heritage Centre with Geographic Names Victoria
  • continue to explore opportunities with the WWCHAC to use Woi-wurrung language in future naming proposals
  • include the late esteemed Aboriginal woman leader's contribution and her link to Kew and Balwyn North in our records. We will explore any future opportunities with her family.