Phase two community consultation

Council, at its meeting held on 26 May 2026, endorsed the commencement of a place naming process to rename two sections of Aspen Street, Moonee Ponds, and to invite the community to vote on a shortlist of proposed names.

Aspen Street is a non‑continuous road divided into three separate sections. This current segmentation has the potential to cause confusion for emergency services, delivery providers, and general wayfinding. The renaming process is being undertaken in the interest of public safety.

Through initial community engagement, a total of 64 naming suggestions were received, in addition to submissions from the Essendon Historical Society and the Wurundjeri Woi‑wurrung Heritage Corporation.

Short listed road names

The following shortlisted names have been endorsed for further community engagement, as they align with State Government naming priorities by recognising Indigenous language and promoting the recognition of women through place naming:

Section B (Middle of Aspen Street that runs off Everage Street)

• Bagarr (Woi-wurrung language – meaning “centre”). This is the middle section, located in the centre of the Moonee Ponds activity centre. Therefore, Bagarr (meaning Centre) is reflective of the roads segment and location.

• Kathryn. Kathryn Knitwear was manufactured in a factory in Aspen Street with its first designer being Catherine Maley (married name). The company was highly regarded by employees with above average wages and good working conditions. The company continued to expand with its quality products being highly regarded. The company left Aspen Street in 1962 to a new factory in Broadmeadows. It continued to manufacture award winning garments until 1980. The National Wool Museum holds an archive of over 100 items related to the company.

Section C (End of Aspen Street that runs off Mt Alexander Road)

• Murrnda (Woi-wurrung language – meaning “deliver”). This is an end section of road that adjoins Mt Alexandar Road. This section is an access point for deliveries to businesses located in Moonee Ponds Central.

• Marion. Architect and artist. One of the first licensed female architects in the world. In 1911 Marion married fellow architect Walter Burley Griffin and subsequently worked in his practice. Marion’s watercolour perspectives helped secure their first prize in the international competition to plan Canberra. They planned Milleara Garden Suburb in Keilor East, which was part of the international “garden suburb” movement. They designed many public works including the Incinerator Gallery.

It is important to note that Section A of Aspen Street (the northern end, commencing at Margaret Street near the train station) is not within scope of the renaming process and will remain as Aspen Street. See map below showing the three labelled sections of Aspen Street.