A new name for the future

We are changing the name of our council to Merri-bek City Council.

We undertook an extensive consultation process to decide on a new name and worked closely with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to select a new name.

New name for Council officially approved

The Victorian Governor in Council has officially approved the new name for Moreland City Council, with the change to Merri-bek published in the Victorian Government Gazette today (15 September 2022).

The new will come into effect from Monday 26 September 2022.

Merri-bek endorsed for new Council name

We received a huge 6,315 survey responses about renaming and 3,739 (59%) supported Merri-bek – the Woi-wurrung word for ‘rocky country’. Thank you to everyone for your preferences and feedback.

Many people said the name Merri-bek (pronounced ‘merry-bek’) reflects their connection to the Merri Creek, the Moreland landscape and the rocky earth of their own backyards.

There has been a wide range of opinions on our transition to a new name but we have been overwhelmed by the positive response. The survey found there was also 22% support for Jerrang, 13% support for Wa-dam-buk, and 6% preferred no name change.

Transitioning to a Woi-wurrung name is part of Council’s commitment to walking together with the Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders, in reconciliation.

On Sunday 3 July, Council held a Special Council Meeting to endorse the name recommendation Merri-bek City Council as its preferred new corporate name, in lieu of Moreland City Council.

You can read the full Council report and engagement summary report, which highlights in more detail what you told us.

Read our media release about the Governor in Council official approving the new name.

Merri-bek

Majority community support for Merri-bek with 59% of responses supporting this name - the Woi-wurrung word for ‘rocky country’

Feedback on the names is now closed

Towards reconciliation and inclusion

Here at Council, we have a long history of leadership on issues of racism, inclusion and reconciliation. For many years our description has been ‘One Community, Proudly Diverse’.

In 2021 we signed a Statement of Commitment (pdf) to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This Statement of Commitment oversees real actions towards reconciliation.

As a local community we have the opportunity to work together. We want to take positive local action and lead change. We’re looking forward to talking about a new name for the future.