The Geographical Names Board is seeking community feedback on a proposal by Inner West Council to name a pedestrian public square in the suburb of Newtown as Pride Square.
Chair of the Geographical Names Board Narelle Underwood said the proposed name would rename the existing square currently locally known as Bedford Square.
“It is important that place names reflect the diversity of our communities,” Mrs Underwood said.
“We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed name.”
The proposed name Pride Square would celebrate the identity, dignity, equality and continued visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and aromanic/asexual (LGBTQIA+) people.
The square is located immediately adjacent to Newtown Town Hall and bounded by Enmore Road, King Street, Australia Street, and Bedford Street, Newtown, Inner West Local Government Area (LGA).
The area is home to a large and vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. The Newtown area is home to several well-established LGBTQIA+ friendly pubs and businesses and support organisations for the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Newtown Town Hall adjacent to the proposed Pride Square has been earmarked to host a Pride Centre during Sydney WorldPride from 17 February 2023 to 5 March 2023 and a recent Notice of Motion at Council was unanimously passed to install a Rainbow pathway at this location.
GNB is seeking feedback to gauge community sentiment for the proposed name. Suggestions for alternative names is not being sought at this time.
Details of the proposal can be viewed and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s : https://www.gnb.nsw.gov.au/
Alternatively, written submissions may be mailed to the Secretary, Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Ave, Bathurst, NSW 2795.
The closing date for submissions is 18 September 2022.
