Within the Northern Territory, place names can be allocated to streets, parks, cemeteries, buildings, natural features and so on in accordance with the terms of the Place Names Act. The Place Names Committee makes recommendations to the Minister for Lands and Planning.

Currently the Committee is looking at the naming of roads in the new suburb of  Johnston where it is proposed to name some of streets after Navy ships associated with operation “Navy Help Darwin” following Cyclone Tracy, and military personnel who served at the 17½ Mile Camp during 1942. In Bellamack, it is proposed to name streets after Catholic priests and sisters.

Committee chairman Dr Mickey Dewar and Committee member Alderman Allan Mitchell will be giving an overview of the Committee’s work at our meeting on 10 June, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

They will also be bringing along some nomination forms should you wish to commemorate someone. The only catch is the person has to de dead – so don’t nominate your best friend!