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Baw Baw Shire Council was seeking feedback on its proposal to name the park on Stoke Street, Warragul after Kelly Koochew.
About Kelly Koochew
Kelly Koochew was a Warragul resident and business owner, founding member of Women in Gippsland, Warragul Farmer's Market and Baw Baw Food Movement committee member. Kelly was involved in the promotion of Waterford Rise Estate, including organising a public 'block party' attended by more than 1,000 people in 2014. Kelly worked for Kingbuilt Homes and Vin Rowe Farm Machinery before her unexpected passing in 2018. She is survived by her husband, Nick Rowe, and their daughters, Issie, Zoe, and Lola. As required by the Naming Rules, Council Officers have contacted Nick Rowe, who has provided written support for Kelly to be commemorated through place naming.
Kelly Koochew was widely respected in the community. In a Gippslandia obituary, it was noted that "Kelly had a rare skill in gently guiding others to find their sense of agency. Not only was she working away from the limelight to motivate positive change in our region, but she was inspiring others to do so too."
Why Council was proposing to name the park
In Baw Baw, Council is responsible for the naming and renaming of publicly owned roads, parks, features and localities throughout the Shire.
As the naming authority for these sites, Council must abide by the State Government's Naming rules for places in Victoria, which sets out the statutory requirements for naming roads, parks and similar features. You can download the Naming Rules from the document section on the right.
Council has endorsed this naming proposal
At the Wednesday 6 March 2024 Council Meeting, Council endorsed the proposal to name the park on Stoke Street in Warragul after Kelly Koochew.
An official opening celebration will be organised for a future date. Thank you to everyone who participated in the project.
Baw Baw Shire Council was seeking feedback on its proposal to name the park on Stoke Street, Warragul after Kelly Koochew.
About Kelly Koochew
Kelly Koochew was a Warragul resident and business owner, founding member of Women in Gippsland, Warragul Farmer's Market and Baw Baw Food Movement committee member. Kelly was involved in the promotion of Waterford Rise Estate, including organising a public 'block party' attended by more than 1,000 people in 2014. Kelly worked for Kingbuilt Homes and Vin Rowe Farm Machinery before her unexpected passing in 2018. She is survived by her husband, Nick Rowe, and their daughters, Issie, Zoe, and Lola. As required by the Naming Rules, Council Officers have contacted Nick Rowe, who has provided written support for Kelly to be commemorated through place naming.
Kelly Koochew was widely respected in the community. In a Gippslandia obituary, it was noted that "Kelly had a rare skill in gently guiding others to find their sense of agency. Not only was she working away from the limelight to motivate positive change in our region, but she was inspiring others to do so too."
Why Council was proposing to name the park
In Baw Baw, Council is responsible for the naming and renaming of publicly owned roads, parks, features and localities throughout the Shire.
As the naming authority for these sites, Council must abide by the State Government's Naming rules for places in Victoria, which sets out the statutory requirements for naming roads, parks and similar features. You can download the Naming Rules from the document section on the right.
Council has endorsed this naming proposal
At the Wednesday 6 March 2024 Council Meeting, Council endorsed the proposal to name the park on Stoke Street in Warragul after Kelly Koochew.
An official opening celebration will be organised for a future date. Thank you to everyone who participated in the project.
Kelly Koochew Park Naming Proposal has finished this stage
In April 2021, an Officer report proposed naming two parks in Warragul's Waterford Rise development. At the 28 April 2021 Council Meeting, Council's resolution included, but was not limited to:
That Council does not accept the naming of the final two parks in Waterford Rise as Hamilton Park and Marrabel Park;
Refers the matter back to the Place Names Advisory Committee to suggest alternate Women’s or Indigenous names from Baw Baw Shire for these parks;
That a report comes to the Council identifying women/indigenous peoples of significance to Baw Baw Shire's past to present to the place naming committee for future reference.
Place Naming Advisory Committee Deliberations
Kelly Koochew Park Naming Proposal has finished this stage
This matter was referred back to Council's Place Names Advisory Committee.
After several discussions, the committee endorsed the name 'Kelly Koochew' for recommendation to Council for the park on Stoke Street, Warragul, which is informally referred to as Marrabel Park.
Naming Proposal Community Consultation
Kelly Koochew Park Naming Proposal has finished this stage
Following endorsement by the Place Names Advisory Committee, the Kelly Koochew Park naming proposal is now available for community comment.
Feedback can be provided through the completion of a short survey between 15 December 2023 and 29 January 2024.
Feedback Considered
Kelly Koochew Park Naming Proposal has finished this stage
Following the consultation period, all feedback received will be collated and a report prepared for Council's consideration.
Presentation to Council
Kelly Koochew Park Naming Proposal has finished this stage
Once the final report is prepared it will be presented to Council for consideration in February/March 2024. At the Council Meeting, Council can choose to endorse or abandon the naming proposal.
Official Opening Celebration
Kelly Koochew Park Naming Proposal is currently at this stage
At the 6 March 2024 Council Meeting, Council endorsed the proposal to name the park on Stoke Street, Warragul, the Kelly Koochew Park.
An official opening ceremony will be arranged for a later date.
