Can Australian Suburbs Change Names?

There have been several instances of Australian suburb names changing throughout history. Suburb name changes typically occur for various reasons, including urban development, political decisions, cultural sensitivity, and historical recognition.

Here are some notable examples and reasons behind these changes:

Urban Development and Amalgamation

As cities expand and new suburbs are developed, older locality names are sometimes replaced or absorbed into new suburbs:

• Belfield (Sydney, NSW): The suburb of Belfield was created by combining parts of the older localities of Belmore and Enfield in the 1930s, giving it a new name derived from these two areas.
• Glenorchy (Tasmania): Glenorchy, now a major suburb of Hobart, absorbed smaller localities as urban development grew. In some cases, historical names were replaced as larger administrative areas emerged.

Reinstating Traditional Indigenous Names

In recognition of Indigenous heritage and ongoing reconciliation efforts, there have been moves to replace colonial or non-Indigenous names with traditional Indigenous ones:

• Benalla (Victoria): Previously known as "Broken River Crossing," the name was changed to Benalla Northcote, derived from the Aboriginal word meaning "home of the white cockatoo."
• Mount Wellington to kunanyi / Mount Wellington (Tasmania): The dual naming of this prominent peak reflects a recognition of its original name in the language of the Palawa people.

Cultural and Political Changes

Changing societal values or political decisions have also led to renaming:

• Moreland to Merri-bek (Victoria): In 2022, Moreland City Council in Melbourne officially changed its name to Merri-bek, meaning "rocky country" in the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung language. The change followed the discovery that "Moreland" was named after a Jamaican slave plantation. This act of reconciliation reflects modern values and a commitment to honoring Indigenous heritage.
• Batman to Northcote (Victoria): The suburb of Batman, previously named after John Batman, a controversial figure linked to the dispossession of Indigenous people, was renamed Northcote to better align with contemporary values and reconciliation efforts.

Correcting Errors or Reducing Confusion

Some names have been changed to avoid duplication or confusion:

• South Melbourne to Albert Park (Victoria): In the 1980s, parts of South Melbourne were reclassified and renamed as Albert Park to avoid confusion with other areas.
• West Torrens to Torrensville (South Australia): This name adjustment helped create a distinct identity for the area within metropolitan Adelaide.

Preservation of Legacy

Efforts are sometimes made to retain elements of historical names when changes occur:

• Richlands (Queensland): Parts of the suburb were subdivided into new suburbs such as Forest Lake, but the name "Richlands" was retained for the remaining locality to preserve its historical significance.