Banners adorned with the name Merri-bek City Council have been unfurled and installed on Coburg Town Hall on 26 September, as the municipality celebrated official new name.
Merri-bek Mayor Mark Riley said he was thrilled that the new name is now in use and proudly displayed, after the State Government officially approved changing the name of the council earlier this month.
“We’re grateful that the State Government has joined us on this shared journey of reconciliation with Traditional Owners, by supporting our process to choose a name that unites our community,” Cr Riley said.
“I am honoured to be known as the Mayor of Merri-bek, a name which honours the rocky country of this land, and was chosen by our residents and Wurundjeri Elders.
“Welcome, to all residents and visitors to beautiful Merri-bek.”
Council has made modest updates to its branding, while retaining the existing logo, and will make changes to major signage and digital assets over the coming months.
Other council assets, like street signs and park benches will be replaced as they normally would be due to wear and tear, over the next decade or more.
Deputy Chair of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Uncle Andrew Gardiner said council has shown respect to the community.
“Moreland City Council have shown great respect to the ratepayers and residents of the local government area, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community by listening and understanding the negative history Moreland relates to in global slavery and racism and dispossession of traditional lands, not ceded, not sold and not given away.
“It is not good enough to just brush the past under the carpet and forget about it. Moreland City Council have stood up for all their constituents and have learned from the past, so that all people are treated equally and creating a more inclusive and just society.”
The council’s website has moved over to merri-bek.vic.gov.au, and social media channels have also transitioned to the new name.
