Cardinia Council is inviting the community to have their say on a new name for Officer District Park.
In partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and the local Koori Kids, the council is putting forward six Indigenous names as the potential new name for the landmark park, being 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) and Torongo (Heart).
Located on Lansell Avenue in Officer, the 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 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 name to be in Bunurong Language.
In 2022, the council engaged more than 200 Koori students from 21 different local schools across Cardinia to brainstorm a shortlist of potential names.
Since then, the council has also consulted the Bunurong Land Council to obtain approval to use these names.
Stage 1 of the park is currently being delivered, which includes a multi-level playground with a variety of play zones and experiences including two 20-metre embankment slides, a fully fenced dog off leash area a purpose-built parkour zone, fitness equipment including running stairs, exercise stations and a one-kilometre loop track, a hilltop lookout, a wetland area, public toilets, barbecues and picnic facilities.
Pending future funding, the next stages of construction may include a regional-level skate park, mountain boarding tracks and a cafe.
Cardinia Council Toomuc Ward councillor Stephanie Davies said she is excited to see progress being made towards delivering the park for the community.
Consultation on the new name will close on Monday 10 June.
The final name for the park will be unveiled to the community at the opening event for Stage 1 in late 2024.
To have your say on the new name for Officer District Park, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
