What is the process for a naming application?

Naming proposals are generally submitted to the City of Vincent by a community member. The City, Landgate, and our Local History Centre will assess the suitability of the name, and if appropriate, create a community consultation on our Imagine Vincent website. If a consultation receives community consent, the City will submit a road naming application to Landgate. Landgate will then approve or deny the application. The City will send letters to nearby residents and owners to inform them of a naming proposal near them, and to let them know the outcome of a consultation. An alternative name for a current consultation must be submitted via the online application form before the original consultation closes. If an alternative name is found to be suitable, a separate consultation for that proposal will be advertised.

Can I name a place after my family?

Commemorative names are allowed.

Commemorative names will only be considered if the proposal is commemorating a person who is no longer alive. All commemorative names must be given posthumously. The person/s must have had a direct and long-term association with the location and made a significant contribution to the area. Land ownership is not sufficient grounds for commemorative naming alone. Public service within all levels of government is not appropriate grounds for commemorative naming, and only surnames will be considered.

Is long term ownership of land sufficient to name a place after my family? 

(ie. Property owned by the same family for over one hundred years)

No. Land ownership is not a valid reason for a commemorative name.

Can I name a place after a business? 

Naming proposals in tribute of businesses will only be considered if the business is historic and no longer in operation.

Can I suggest an Aboriginal word for place naming?

Landgate and the City both encourage the proposal of Aboriginal language for naming roads, parks and other places across the City. All Aboriginal language proposed is subject to additional criteria, including:

• Language local to the place (likely Noongar);
• Receiving endorsement from the City’s RAP working group (or similar); and
• Written consideration matching the significance of the word with the significance of the place.

The applicant must demonstrate that an Aboriginal language naming proposal is in consultation with the local Traditional Owner group by providing a letter of support from that group. Unfortunately, without a letter of consent from the Traditional Owners, neither the City nor Landgate consider it appropriate to use Noongar language for place naming.

What names are suitable?

Any proposed name must fit within one of the following categories:

• Aboriginal language name;
• Vincent identity;
• Historic business;
• Local flora and/or fauna;
• Historic event;
• Architectural style;
• Artwork;
• Waterway;
• Culturally iconic element.

What evidence is needed submit a naming application?

Noongar Language:

• History and description of the proposed name (including any relevant documentation);
• Justification statement outlining why the name is/are significant to the area and should be honoured; and
• A letter from the indigenous community outlining their support for your proposal.

Vincent Identity:

• Date and place of birth and date of passing away;
• Period of residence in the locality;
• History of the person to be honoured (including any relevant documentation);
• Outline of the contribution to the community by the person, including membership of clubs and voluntary organisations;
• Justification statement regarding why the person should be honoured; and
• Contact details of the person's immediate family.

Historic Business:

• Location of business and dates of opening and closing;
• History of the business to be honoured (including any relevant documentation);
• Outline of the contribution to the community by the business or business owner/s;
• Justification statement regarding why the business should be honoured; and
• Contact details of the business owner or their immediate family.

Local Flora/Fauna:

• History and description of the flora or fauna to be honoured;
• Justification statement outlining why the flora or fauna are significant to the area and should be honoured; and
• Images (including locations), of instances where the flora and fauna can be found within the suburb of the naming proposal.

Historic event, architectural style, artwork, waterway or other culturally iconic element:

• History and description of the element to be honoured (including any relevant documentation);
• Justification statement outlining why the element is/are significant to the area and should be honoured; and
• Images (including locations), of instances where the element can be found within the suburb of the naming proposal (if applicable).

Any photography, letters, awards, newspaper articles or other similar details will make your proposal stronger. If you are needing assistance, or desire access to the City’s resources on local history, our Local History Centre is open Monday to Friday, 9am until 1pm.