The Victorian Government’s “Remember a Local – Name a Place” initiative, as spotlighted by Neos Kosmos, is a chance for the Greek Australian community to make its history public for all, while honouring the migrant pioneers who shaped Victoria.
The campaign invites members of the public to submit proposals for naming public spaces after influential locals. It’s an opportunity to ensure the contributions of Greek Australian trailblazers — who laid the foundations of Hellenism in Australia — are remembered and mapped into the very fabric of the state.
From early migrants who shaped Melbourne’s multicultural identity to activists, educators, artists, and community leaders, many have left a legacy worthy of recognition. The strong response to the call by Neos Kosmos‘ for nominations shows that our community hasn’t forgotten.
Neos Kosmos does not decide which names are ultimately chosen, that lies with the Victorian Government. Our role is to inform our audiences and encourage participation.
As Premier Jacinta Allan told Neos Kosmos: “I encourage all Victorians to submit nominations and pay tribute to someone who has left a lasting legacy in their community. Greeks helped build Melbourne, yet there are still too few places named after them.”
The campaign welcomes names beyond the well-known, the formative. Readers have proposed teachers, local business owners, cultural leaders, and others whose influence may not be widely recognised, but who shaped their suburbs, schools, and parishes. These are the unsung heroes of the Greek Australian story.
“Our history shaped this state, and our legacy deserves to be honoured,” said the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis.
Only those who have passed can be nominated. Unfortunately, some submissions have lacked contact details, making it difficult to confirm this key eligibility requirement. We ask readers to include an email, or phone number when submitting nominations to help us verify details and avoid any unintended errors.
Whether or not these names are ultimately selected for public spaces, the campaign presents a meaningful opportunity to begin commemorating the community’s pioneers, through public tribute or dedicated memorial events.
Suggestions so far
Here are just some of the names proposed by our readers:
Archbishop Stylianos (Harkianakis)
Peter Georgiou
Zisis Dardalis
Dr Spiros Moraitis
Nikos Politis
Kostas Nikolopoulos
Anna Georgousi
Jimmy Maggopoulos
Dimitris Gogos
Stathis Raptopoulos
Manos Milios
Kostas Tsikaderis
Stratis Androulakis
Dr Haralambos Paroulakis
A.J.J. Lucas (Lekatsas)
George Nikakis
Alexandra Vrachami-Vrachna
Nina Mavrokefalou (Black)
Thanasis Spanos
Panagiotis Giannoudis
Sarantis & Dionysius Hionis
Ierotheos Kourtessis
Kostas Gonopoulos
Savvas Papasavvas
Notably, one suggestion was to rename Lakeside Stadium to the Theseus (Theo) Marmaras Stadium, in honour of the prominent Greek Australian sporting and community leader.
How to submit:
We continue to welcome your nominations for Greek Australians who deserve a permanent place on Victoria’s map.
- Via the printed form in Neos Kosmos
- Online through our website
- Or by email to: editor@neoskosmos.com.au
Include your email or phone number so we can follow up if necessary.
Deadline for submissions: Friday, 4 July 2025
Note: Please do not nominate individuals who are still living, as they are ineligible under campaign guidelines.
Greek Place Names
About the “Remember a Local – Name a Place” campaign
The Victorian Government’s “Remember a Local – Name a Place” campaign calls for public spaces better reflect the diversity and history of the state.
The second round of nominations has been extended until 30 November 2025, according to the website engage.vic.gov.au/name-a-place
The guiding question is, “Do you know an unsung hero who has left a lasting legacy in your community?”
Over the next three years, Victoria plans to name more than 6,000 new places, including roads, suburbs, schools, parks, and community facilities.
“We want to ensure these names honour the people who helped our communities thrive. People of all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life have made incredible contributions to Victoria—but their stories have not always been reflected in the places we name.”
Who can be nominated in this round?
Anyone who has passed away and left a lasting impact on their community may be nominated. Eligible individuals may have contributed in areas such as:
- Social or community service
- Health and science
- Arts and culture
- Education or public service
- Sport
- The armed forces
The campaign especially encourages nominations from underrepresented groups in Victoria’s place names, including:
- Women
- First Nations Australians
- LGBTQIA+ individuals
- People with disabilities
- Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities
To be eligible, the nominee must:
- Be deceased
- Have made a meaningful, long-term contribution
- Have a strong connection to the place being proposed
- If you have an idea for a place that could be renamed to honour someone, you are encouraged to reach out to the relevant local council
Nominations are submitted online via the campaign’s website and must include:
- A brief biography of the nominee
- Details of their connection to a place in Victoria
- A written explanation of why they are being nominated
- Documentation showing support from close family members (emails or letters), and their contact information if you are not a relative
- Letters of support from individuals or organisations connected to the nominee
If the nomination is suitable, it will be forwarded to the local council, and may be added to the council’s place-naming bank – a list of approved names to be considered for future locations (e.g., a street, park, or suburb).
Names may also be referred to another naming authority within the state government.
Geographic Names Victoria will notify you of the status of your nomination, whether it has been added to the name bank or if more information is required.
It’s important to note that not all submitted names will be used, and the process may take time.
If approved, the name is submitted to Geographic Names Victoria, where it must comply with the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria 2022. Once approved, it is published in the Victorian Government Gazette, recorded in VICNAMES, the official register of Victorian place names, accompanied by your historical and biographical contribution as part of the permanent record.
For more information, contact:
Geographic Names Victoria on (03) 8572 7991
