THE Canberra suburb of Spence could share a name with Australia’s first female political candidate Catherine Helen Spence, as part of the ACT government’s plan to increase the diversity in the city’s names.

Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman wants the community’s input on a proposal to co-name the suburb after Spence, a social and political reformer, author and journalist.

The suburb is currently named after William Guthrie Spence, founder of the Australian Worker’s Union.

“To increase the representation of women commemorated in our suburb names, we’d like to co-name the suburb to include Catherine Helen Spence, Australia’s first female political candidate and a lifelong campaigner for electoral reform,” Gentleman said.

“Co-naming the suburb will not change the suburb name or any addressing.

“Simply, a sign will be placed at the entry to the suburb explaining the two origins for the name.”

Community feedback is also wanted for the names for a park in Kingston and Campbell.

One suggestion is to name a green space in Trevillian Quay, in the Kingston Foreshore Estate, after Alfred Stafford MBE.

“Mr Stafford, a driver for several federal ministers from the late 1930s until the early 1970s, and official driver for Prime Minister Robert Menzies during the 1950s, was a well-respected Kingston local of Gamilaroi and Darug heritage,” Gentleman said.

“We are also looking for suggestions of names of female Australian Defence Force members who we could consider for the large park behind the Campbell shops, between White Crescent and Blamey Place.”

Names put forward must belong to a person who has been dead for at least 12 months.

Suggestions can be made via the YourSay Conversations website.

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