Have your say on the new name for Officer District Park

In partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and the local Koori Kids, 6 indigenous names are being put forward as the potential new name for the landmark park.

The community are invited to provide their feedback on these names:

• Kar Din Yarr (Look to the rising sun)
• Ngerwin (The Sun /sunny) 
• Djeembana (A place to meet)
• Karrbul Mile (High Hill)  
• Karrbul Biik (High land /vantage point)
• Torongo (Heart)

Located on Lansell Avenue in Officer, this new 10-hectare adventure and nature park will provide new opportunities for the local community to recreate, socialise, play, and connect.

Due to the park’s position on top of a hill with significant views over the southern flatlands and out to Western Port, it is considered a culturally significant lookout point for the Traditional Owners, and it was deemed appropriate for the ultimate name to be in Bunurong Language.

In 2022, Council engaged over 200 Koori students from 21 different local schools across Cardinia Shire to brainstorm a shortlist of potential names. The students were given a list of relevant words in Bunurong Language, along with the English translation, which they could use for inspiration or make their own suggestions.  These were then grouped to create a shortlist. Since then, Council has also consulted the Bunurong Land Council to obtain approval to use these names.

Toomuc Ward Councillor Stephanie Davies is excited to see progress being made towards delivering this landmark park for the community.

“This is a ground-breaking project for the shire, offering a range of exciting recreational opportunities and firsts for the region. We can’t wait to welcome people to this new destination later this year.”

Stage 1 of the park is currently being delivered, which includes:

• an incredible multi-level playground with a variety of play zones and experiences including two 20m-long embankment slides. 
• A fully fenced dog off leash area
• Cardinia Shire’s first purpose-built Parkour Zone
• fitness equipment including running stairs, exercise stations and a 1km loop track.
• hilltop lookout
• wetland area with extensive landscaping
• public toilets
• BBQs and picnic facilities.

Pending future funding, the next stages of construction may include a regional-level skate park, mountain boarding tracks and a cafe.

“It was always the plan that Officer District Park would be a working title for the project, and that we would rename the park to honour the Traditional Landowners before its completion.” Cr Davies said.

“The community are invited to get involved in the process and help choose the final name for Officer District Park by voting for their preferred choice.”

Consultation on the new name is now open and will close on Monday 10 June 2024. To have your say on the new name for Officer District Park, please visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay    

The final name for the park will be unveiled to the community at the opening event for Stage 1 in late 2024.

To find out more about Officer District Park, please visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/majorprojects