The Surf Coast’s Aboriginal heritage features in the naming of the first two access roads to the Surf Coast Community and Civic Precinct.

The north-south and east-west access roads within the precinct have been named respectively Wadawurrung Way and Merrijig Drive in consultation with local traditional owners.

‘Wadawurrung’ represents the traditional language and people of the Surf Coast region while the term ‘Merrijig’ comes from the local Wadawurrung language and means “very good, well done”.

‘Merrijig’ is also the name of a local creek, which runs within the shire near Freshwater Creek, and was the name of a prominent property in the region.

Mayor Dean Webster said the use of the terms ‘Wadawurrung’ and ‘Merrijig’ is an important part of acknowledging the Surf Coast region’s rich indigenous history.

“Council has formed a strong working relationship with local traditional owners over a number of years,” Cr Webster said.

“It is significant that the first two streets in the Surf Coast Community and Civic Precinct take these names as a show of our community’s respect for the shire’s indigenous heritage and local indigenous elders past and present.”

Traditional Wadawurrung Elders expressed delight with the new names.

“We are thrilled to see our ancestors recognised by the communities of the Surf Coast Shire with the continuance of using Wadawurrung place names. It is good to know all is not forgotten,” said a representative of the state-elected Registered Aboriginal Party for the region, Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation trading as Wadawurrung.

Council has also received community entries in a place naming competition to name the precinct, individual sporting fields, community sporting pavilion and the ceremonial drive that will run around the civic building. These entries are now being considered.

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