Key Takeaways:
- The naming process for Melbourne’s new train stations was not transparent, with popular suggestions such as Domain, St Paul, and University being overlooked in favor of less popular names like Anzac, Town Hall, and Parkville.
- The city has a history of showing creativity and wit in its naming conventions, with examples such as the MCG, the Vault sculpture, and AC/DC Lane.
- The new station names do not reflect the city’s Indigenous heritage or its cultural icons, with opportunities missed to acknowledge these aspects of Melbourne’s identity.
- Alternative name suggestions, such as Naarm, Barry, Melba, and Doherty, could have been more fitting and creative choices.
- The government’s preference for not naming landmarks after living people may have limited the options for more innovative and engaging names.
Introduction to the Naming Controversy
The recent naming of Melbourne’s new train stations has sparked controversy, with many feeling that the process was not transparent and that the chosen names do not reflect the city’s character. The names Anzac, Town Hall, and Parkville were ultimately selected, despite being less popular than other suggestions such as Domain, St Paul, and University. This has led to speculation that the government was afraid of more creative and humorous suggestions, such as "Station McStationface," which may have been submitted by the public.
Melbourne’s History of Creative Naming
Melbourne has a history of showing its wit and creativity in its naming conventions. The city has been colloquially known as the ‘G, the Yellow Peril, and Smellbourne, and has recognized its Indigenous heritage with names such as Warrior Woman Lane and William Barak Bridge. The city has also nodded to its live music scene with AC/DC Lane and has honored its sporting heroes with the Shane Warne Stand. This creative approach to naming has been evident in other cities, such as Sydney, which has named its new Gadigal station after the Indigenous word for Sydney Cove.
Alternative Name Suggestions
There were many alternative name suggestions that could have been more fitting and creative choices for the new train stations. For example, the north CBD station could have been named Barry, after Sir Redmond Barry, the first chancellor of the University of Melbourne, or after Barry Humphries, the legendary actor and comedian. The south CBD station could have been named Melba, after Dame Nellie Melba, Australia’s first international superstar. The Parkville station, located in the heart of the medical and science precinct, could have been named Doherty, after Peter Doherty and our research pioneers.
Honoring Indigenous Heritage and Cultural Icons
The new station names do not reflect the city’s Indigenous heritage or its cultural icons. An opportunity was missed to acknowledge the city’s Indigenous history with a name such as Naarm, which is the Indigenous word for Melbourne. The name Anzac, which was chosen for one of the stations, has also been controversial, with some feeling that it is not an appropriate tribute to the city’s veterans. Alternative names, such as Dunlop, after Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop, could have been a more fitting tribute to the city’s war heroes.
The Power of Public Opinion
While the government may have settled on its chosen names, it is possible that the voice of the people will ultimately prevail. Melburnians may coin their own names for the stations, just as they have done with other landmarks such as the Paris End of Collins Street and the Chadstone shopping centre, which is affectionately known as Chaddy. It is also possible that the names will change over time, as the city’s culture and identity continue to evolve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the naming of Melbourne’s new train stations has been a missed opportunity for the city to showcase its creativity and wit. The chosen names do not reflect the city’s Indigenous heritage or its cultural icons, and alternative suggestions could have been more fitting and engaging. While the government may have settled on its chosen names, it is possible that the voice of the people will ultimately prevail, and that the stations will come to be known by names that truly reflect the city’s character and identity.
