In a milestone achievement, 70% of all new commemorative place names in Victoria in 2025 recognised women.

The gender equality target, set under the state’s ‘Our equal state: Victoria’s gender equality strategy and action plan 2023–2027,’ was met two years ahead of schedule.

The breakthrough was announced by the Minister for Planning at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, following a She Shapes History walking tour through Melbourne’s CBD with the Lord Mayor.

Historically, women have been significantly under-represented in Victoria’s place names.

But since 2022, the proportion of new commemorative place names recognising women has increased steadily, rising from 26% to 70% by 2025.

The accomplishment is no accident, but rather the result of coordinated action across the place naming system, including:

• Community nominations expanding the pool of women and gender‑diverse people considered for commemoration;
• Naming authorities, particularly local councils, applying a gender lens in place naming decisions; and
• System and policy changes that embed gender equity in place naming processes.

Geographic Names Victoria says it supports naming authorities across the state to deliver consistent, appropriate and representative place naming outcomes.

Anyone in Victoria can nominate a local hero through the Remember a Local – Name a Place campaign, to help ensure those who have shaped communities are recognised. Eligibility requirements apply.