Orange council backs audit of gender balance in public place names

Orange City Council has voted 7-5 to audit the gender balance of commemorative names across the Orange Local Government Area and develop a framework for more equitable naming of public places.

The review will cover streets, roads, parks, reserves, sporting facilities, Council facilities and other Council-controlled or Council-named places. It will identify whether names commemorate individuals, the gender representation of those people, and how many names are non-commemorative, of unknown origin or cannot be attributed to an individual.

Councillors also voted to investigate an Orange Commemorative Names Register containing the names and stories of people with a significant connection to Orange. The resolution gives particular consideration to women whose contributions to the community have historically been under-recognised.

Residents will be able to nominate names as part of the register’s development. Council will also consider collaboration with local historical, cultural, Aboriginal and community organisations.

The council will review its existing policies, procedures and practices for naming roads, public places and Council assets. It will then prepare a report on any gender imbalance and present a draft framework or policy amendments for consideration.

Mayor T Mileto, Cr D Mallard, Cr M McDonell, Cr S Peterson, Cr G Power, Cr M Ruddy and Cr J Stedman supported the motion. Deputy Mayor T Greenhalgh, Cr K Duffy, Cr G Judge, Cr F Kinghorne and Cr J Whitton voted against.

The vote does not rename existing streets or facilities. The audit and proposed framework must be completed before councillors consider recommendations for implementation.

Questions during the debate focused on how much control Council has over names in new developments. The chief executive officer said developers are responsible for proposing names and consult Council, with names also referred to the Geographical Naming Board.