Brimbank Council has approved the submission of Wominjeka Plaza as the proposed name for the new public space adjacent to the new Vietnamese Museum Australia being built in Sunshine.
The name will now be submitted to the Geographic Names Victoria for consideration and approval.
The decision follows a community consultation process where the majority of respondents (64 per cent) supported the proposed name.
Council is collaborating with the Vietnamese Museum Australia to develop a new museum, plaza, and car park at 119 Durham Road.
Designed to be a bright and inviting public area, the plaza will provide a vibrant forecourt to the museum while paying tribute to the Traditional Owners and celebrating Brimbank’s diverse refugee and multicultural communities. The new space will also connect Durham Road and R T Pollard Gardens.
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Thuy Dang, said Council will formally submit the new name to Geographic Names Victoria (GNV) for consideration, complying with the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria protocol.
“It’s encouraging to see our community support the naming of the new public plaza in Durham Road, Sunshine as Wominjeka Plaza,” Mayor Dang said.
“The plaza is intended to be a welcoming space for everyone, and I’m confident it will become a beloved community gathering spot, helping to bring life to the area and providing a boost to local businesses nearby.”
The name Wominjeka, meaning ‘welcome’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, was suggested by Wurundjeri Elders during discussions on the plaza design.
Council will inform the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation of this decision and express gratitude for their involvement in the design and naming process.
Council plans to respond in writing to everyone who participated in the consultation regarding the proposed name
The concept design for the plaza was developed with input from Traditional Owners from the Wurundjeri Council, various multicultural groups and the Brimbank Youth Council. The design can be viewed on Council’s website.
Construction of the plaza is planned to take place in late 2025 and 2026.
Council is currently advocating to both the Federal and State Governments for funding for this unique cultural plaza project.
