New name for landmark park in Officer
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After extensive community consultation, Cardinia Shire Council has endorsed ‘Torongo Park’ as the new name for the Officer District Park site at the August 2024 Council Meeting.
In partnership with the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and the local Koori Kids, 6 indigenous names were developed and put forward as potential options for the landmark park’s final name. The community were then invited to have their say on the names in May 2024, and ‘Torongo’ was chosen as the preferred name by the community.
Officer District Park was always intended to be a working name for the project, and Council planned for the park to be renamed to honour the Traditional Landowners before its completion.
Due to the park’s position on the top of a hill, with significant views over the southern flatlands of the shire and out to Western Port, the location is considered a culturally significant lookout point for the Traditional Owners, and it was deemed appropriate for the park’s name to be in Bunurong Language.
The name Torongo is significant because it means “heart” in the Bunurong language. This name was chosen to recognise and reflect the cultural and historical importance of the area, as well as to honour the Bunurong people and their connection to the land.
Following Council endorsement, the name ‘Torongo Park’ will be submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for formal registration.
Located on Lansell Avenue in Officer, this new 10-hectare adventure and nature park will provide new opportunities for the local community to socialise, play, and connect.
Stage 1 of the park is currently under construction, and includes:
an incredible multi-level playground with a variety of play zones and experiences including two 20m-long embankment slides. A fully fenced dog off leash area Cardinia Shire’s first purpose-built Parkour Zone fitness equipment including running stairs, exercise stations and a 1km loop track. hilltop lookout wetland area with extensive landscaping public toilets BBQs, shelters and picnic facilities.The construction of Torongo Park is currently on track and is expected to be completed and opened to the community before the end of 2024.
Pending future funding, the next stages of construction may include a regional-level skate park, mountain boarding tracks and a cafe.
To find out more about Torongo Park, please visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/majorprojects