The former La Trobe University Bendigo Athletics Complex has been renamed Lar Birpa Athletics Complex, which means a place to run in the language of the Dja Dja Wurrung.
The Department of Transport and Planning recently confirmed the proposed name met the statutory requirements for Naming Rules for Places Victoria, and the name Lar Birpa Athletics Complex was gazetted in the Victoria Government Gazette today, Thursday January 11, 2024.
City of Greater Bendigo Director Healthy Communities and Environments Stacy Williams said the name change followed the City’s 2020 acquisition of the athletics complex on Retreat Road, Flora Hill from La Trobe University.
“This meant we needed a new name for the complex that did not reference La Trobe University,” Ms Williams said.
“The naming of existing and new City-owned facilities in Traditional Owner language is in line with the City’s Reconciliation Plan Barpangu 2021-2025, and our strong commitment to supporting Aboriginal place naming and the use of Traditional Owner language in public spaces across the municipality.”
Naming of all roads, features and localities in Victoria needs to follow the statutory requirements of the Naming Rules for Places Victoria – Statutory requirements for naming roads, features and localities (2022).
New signage will be installed at the site to reflect the facility’s new name.