Two New Suburbs Honoring Prominent Australians to Be Developed in Molonglo Valley
The Molonglo Valley district in Canberra is set to expand with the addition of two new suburbs, Bandler and Sulman, bringing the total number of suburbs in the area to seven. These new developments are part of the Molonglo Valley 3 East project, representing the next major stage of suburban growth in the region.
Significance of the Names
The decision to name these suburbs after Faith Bandler AC and Sir John Sulman holds great significance. Faith Bandler, a renowned human rights activist and author, played a crucial role in raising awareness about the cultural heritage of South Sea Islanders and Indigenous Australian communities, as well as advocating for women’s rights.
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- Her daughter, Associate Professor Lilon Bandler, expressed gratitude for the naming of the suburb in honor of her mother, highlighting Faith’s unwavering commitment to social justice and civil rights.
Sir John Sulman, on the other hand, was a distinguished architect and town planner who contributed significantly to the early development and design of Canberra. His great-grandson, Emeritus Professor David Carment AM, expressed delight at the recognition of Sir John Sulman’s legacy and his impactful contributions to Australia’s architectural landscape.
Suburban Themes and Development
Each suburb in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is characterized by a thematic framework for naming its streets. Bandler will adopt the theme of ‘Australian Social and Cultural Life’, while Sulman will be themed around ‘Humanities and Social Sciences’.
Furthermore, plans for the development of a potential town center in the Molonglo Valley are underway, with the National Capital Authority considering the reclassification of the commercial hub as a designated Town Centre.
Community Engagement
The ACT Place Names Advisory Committee encourages input from the Canberra community regarding suggestions for names and feedback on the new developments. Residents can participate in the naming process and provide feedback through the Place Names page on the ACT Planning website.
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