First road and precinct names announced
The first set of names for features within Harkness Memorial Park has now been confirmed, marking a major milestone as the site takes physical shape in 2026.
Over the coming year, new roads will be laid, building foundations poured, and memorial and ceremonial areas formed. Naming these represent the first chapter in the Park’s emerging story, each one chosen to help visitors navigate the landscape and reflect the Park’s deep connection to Country and community.
Primary Roads: Connecting with place and purpose
Two primary roads will anchor the first stage of Harkness Memorial Park. Both names were gifted by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, reflecting Traditional Owner guidance and the themes that underpin the site’s long-term vision.
Mooroop Biik Way
(moo-roop beek) — Spirit Land
Garrong Boulevard
(gah-wong) — Golden Wattle
These names embody the Park’s spiritual essence, drawing on symbols of resilience, renewal and belonging. The golden wattle, in particular, is a feature of the landscaping you’ll see from day one and represents strength and regeneration.
Precinct Names: Celebrating Flora, Fauna and Storytelling
The first stage includes two precincts, each paired with an internal road that shares its name. This pairing approach will help create intuitive wayfinding and enhance the visitor experience.
Precinct 1: Lucia
Inspired by the grassland copper butterfly (lucia limbaria), a species native to the region.
Precinct 2: Acacia
Inspired by the wattle, reflecting both Elders’ feedback and the Park’s landscaping choices.
Inspired by native flora and fauna, these names are grounded in the region’s ecological character.
Gundalugan Gathering Space: A Place for Ceremony and Connection
The outdoor gathering space, co-designed with Wurundjeri Elders, will serve as an important location for community, reflection and cultural practice. Designed with a smoking bowl, water elements and significant native plantings, it represents the intersection of ceremony, cleansing and Country.
Gundalugan Gardens
(“goon-doh-loo-goon”) — Sacred Kingfisher
The sacred kingfisher is a totemic bird believed to guide spirits to the skies and the dreaming.
Kingfisher Centre: First Stage Building
The first stage main building will serve as the Park’s initial multi‑purpose hub, hosting reception, ceremonial spaces and operational services. In later stages, when a premier dedicated ceremonial building is developed, it will evolve into a staff and administration centre.
To create a strong narrative link with the nearby Gundalugan Gardens, the building name will be:
Kingfisher Centre
The English-language counterpart to Gundalugan.
This name is accessible, memorable and anchored firmly in the cultural story that guides the broader park design.
These foundational names do more than support wayfinding. They anchor the Park’s identity in local Country, culture and ecology. They reflect deep connections to place and set the tone for the memorial park’s future as a site of reflection, remembrance, renewal and belonging.
As Harkness Memorial Park continues to take shape, these names will guide visitors through a landscape rich with meaning, story and connection.