PROPOSAL TO NAME TRAFALGAR MULTI- USE PAVILION AS TURRA PAVILION - PURSUANT TO Paragraph 6.1.1 of Naming rules for
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PROPOSAL TO NAME
TRAFALGAR MULTI-
USE PAVILION AS
TURRA PAVILION
PURSUANT TO
Paragraph 6.1.1 of Naming rules for
places in Victoria
V01.00
Table of Contents
1. Background ....................................................................................................................1
2. Proposal pursuant to paragraph 6.1.1 of Naming rules for places in Victoria ..................1
3. Evidence in support of proposal pursuant to paragraph 6.1.1 of Naming rules for places
in Victoria ..............................................................................................................................2
3.1 Proposed name .................................................................................................................. 2
3.2 Location of the road or feature, including a map (and, if relevant, its current name) .......... 2
3.3 Background information on why the naming authority should consider naming or changing
the name or boundary, e.g. why the proposed name is considered appropriate (include any
history or local relevance) – see Principle (C) (re-produced in part below) ..................................... 2
3.3.1 Background to purchase of recreation precinct property ............................................................. 2
3.3.2 Baw Baw Shire Council recognition of Turra contribution ............................................................ 3
3.3.3 Turra family reputation and community involvement.................................................................. 3
3.4 Reason for the proposal (why the current name is not considered appropriate or any other
relevant information) .................................................................................................................... 5
3.5 Contact details of the proposer(s) ...................................................................................... 6
3.6 Information on public consultation that has occurred and/or support and non-support that
has been gathered from community members or groups .............................................................. 6
3.7 Statement saying that the proposed name conforms to the relevant principles and
requirements in the naming rules .................................................................................................. 6
4. Naming rules Principles ..................................................................................................7
4.1 Principle (C) Linking the name to place ............................................................................... 7
4.2 Principle (H) Using commemorative names ........................................................................ 7
5. Precedents ......................................................................................................................8
6. Recommendation ...........................................................................................................9
Attachment 1 Baw Baw Shire Council email 3 October 2019 ................................................10
Attachment 2 M Bourke email to BBSC 12 December 2019 ..................................................11
Attachment 3 Traf News August 2020..................................................................................12
Attachment 4 Traf News August 2020 (Word version)..........................................................13
Attachment 5 M Bourke email 1 August 2019 ......................................................................15
Attachment 6 Letter of support Trafalgar Football Netball Club ...........................................16
Attachment 7 Letter of support Trafalgar Cricket Club .........................................................17
Attachment 8 Letter of support Trafalgar Boxing Gym .........................................................18
Attachment 9 Letter of support Trafalgar Victory Football Club ...........................................19
1. Background
With the announcement in late 2020 by Baw Baw Shire Council (council) of the successful
tender for the construction of Trafalgar Multi-use pavilion, consideration should be again
given to acknowledging the contribution of the Turra brothers – Frank, Jim and Dominic –
towards the Trafalgar Recreation Precinct. Without their commitment to the Trafalgar
community by making the land upon which it now sits available to council, council would not
have been in a position to make the announcement on 14 December 2020 in relation to the
multi-use facility. Nor, indeed, would the sporting and recreation clubs and its members –
both male and female – have access to modern facilities.
I have previously made a rather average submission to Baw Baw Shire Council (council) in 2019
that the Turra family be recognised in some way at the recreation precinct. In an email from
a council officer of 3 October 2019, I was advised that the:
“[Council] Place naming Committee considered your [my] suggestion of
acknowledging the Turra family with renaming the Trafalgar Recreation Precinct or a
section within it with the Turra name, unfortunately the Office of Geographic Names
guidelines state; the names of people who are still alive must be avoided because
community attitudes and opinions can change over time.” (See Attachment 1)
In my email to the council officer of 12 December 2019, I mentioned that there is provision
for council to make representation under Principle (H) for exceptional circumstances whereby
an application can be made to the secretary of geographic names (the survey-general) for
living people to be recognised. In my said email, I thought that the recognition of the Turra
brothers would not fall within Principle (H) (See Attachment 2).
2. Proposal pursuant to paragraph 6.1.1 of Naming rules for
places in Victoria
On reflection, I was incorrect to say that the recognition of the Turra brothers is not an
exceptional circumstance. Indeed, the naming of the multi-use facility after the Turra
brothers, indeed the entire Turra family, is an exceptional circumstance, and does fall within
Principle (H).
Paragraph 6.1.1. of the Naming rules for places in Victoria states:
Members of the general public [my emphasis] and community interest groups can
develop a proposal to amend a name or change the name of a road, feature or locality,
including a locality’s boundaries.
The proposal needs to be submitted to the naming authority responsible for the area
in/across which the road, feature or locality is situated – it is important to note that
the council or relevant naming authority should be contacted for advice because some
naming authorities may have their own naming policies or guidelines that augment
these naming rules and may need to be applied.
Proposals should include:
• the proposed name
• the location of the road or feature, including a map (and, if relevant, its
current name)
• background information on why the naming authority should consider naming
or changing the name or boundary, e.g. why the proposed name is considered
appropriate (include any history or local relevance) – see Principle (C)
1
• the reason for the proposal (why the current name is not considered
appropriate or any other relevant information)
• contact details of the proposer(s) and information on public consultation that
has occurred and/or support and non-support that has been gathered from
community members or groups
• a statement saying that the proposed name conforms to the relevant
principles and requirements in the naming rules.
A checklist available in APPENDIX C can be used to help ensure appropriate
information is provided to the naming authority.
If the proposal is in the form of a petition it must include the information above. Refer
to glossary for the definition and requirements of a petition
Upon receiving the proposal from the public, the naming authority should initiate the
formal proposal process detailed in Section 6.2. If a proposal is to change the name of
a road, feature or locality located across two or more council administrative areas, the
respective naming authorities need to coordinate the proposal’s processing. OGN can
provide advice and, when necessary, recommend if the proposed naming needs to be
referred to a Geographic Place Names Advisory Committee (refer to Section 1.5.5).
Once a naming proposal has been submitted to the naming authority, no further
action is required by the member(s) of the general public or community interest
group(s), unless the naming authority requires additional information or seeks to
involve the public or group in the process.
Therefore, I propose, pursuant to paragraph 6.1.1 of Naming rules for places in Victoria, that
Trafalgar Recreation Precinct’s multi-use pavilion be named ‘Turra Pavilion’.
3. Evidence in support of proposal pursuant to paragraph 6.1.1 of
Naming rules for places in Victoria
In support of my proposal, the above paragraph 6.1.1 states that my proposal should include
the following information:
3.1 Proposed name
Turra Pavilion
3.2 Location of the road or feature, including a map (and, if relevant, its current
name)
The location of the proposed multi-use pavilion is within Trafalgar Recreation Precinct.
As the pavilion is yet to be constructed, it is currently known as Trafalgar multi-use
pavilion. A map can be provided by council
3.3 Background information on why the naming authority should consider naming
or changing the name or boundary, e.g. why the proposed name is considered
appropriate (include any history or local relevance) – see Principle (C) (re-
produced in part below)
3.3.1 Background to purchase of recreation precinct property
I rely on the attached Traf News article (a Word version of the article is also
attached for clearer reading) (see Attachments 3 and 4) which sets out the history
of the purchase of the land for Trafalgar Recreation Precinct, in particular as it
relates to the contribution by the Turra brothers. The article is incorrect as it refers
to Jim and Antoinette Turra; it should have referred to Jim, Frank and Dominic
Turra (the error was corrected in the following Traf News publication).
2
As it relates to the Turra brothers, the article reads:
“Particular mention should be made of the Turra brothers - Jim, Frank and Dom
[as amended] - who had decided to sell their family farm next to Trafalgar
Recreation Reserve at the same time that the Trafalgar community was
negotiating with council to adopt a masterplan for the reserve. (As part of that
masterplan, the reserve was to be re-named Trafalgar Recreation Precinct). The
Turra family had opportunities to sell the land at a higher price than that
eventually offered by council, but declined such offers as it wanted to see the
land used by the community. They did this without knowing whether or not
council would eventually purchase the land.”
3.3.2 Baw Baw Shire Council recognition of Turra contribution
Council has acknowledged the significant contribution made by the Turra family to
the Trafalgar community in this matter on at least two occasions:
• the first in the email of a council officer dated 3 October 2019 (see Attachment
1); and
• the second, when councillors Leaney, Wallace, Kostos, Jones and Lucas, spoke
of the importance of the multi-use facility to the broader Trafalgar community
in council’s media release dated 14 December 2020. Such announcements
could not have been made without the commitment of the Turra brothers to
the Trafalgar community:
https://www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Latest-News/Trafalgar-Multi-use-
Pavilion-to-get-underway-in-the-new-
year?fbclid=IwAR0WZCnVTykZtxYw4Yvh0uYgF-J0umloh0-
3xggVek7NjFalFwNfGv0BJGw ;
3.3.3 Turra family reputation and community involvement
Principle (H), first bullet, provides: If named after a person, that person should be
or have been held in strong regard by the community, with preference given to
unofficial names used by the local community.
When deciding on the assignment of a commemorative name, naming authorities
should consider the person’s achievements, relevant history and association to the
area, and the significance of the family/person to the area/land. For example, a
family that has been associated with an area for at least 50 years.
The Turra family is well-respected within the broader Trafalgar community, and
concerns that using “the names of people who are still alive must be avoided
because community attitudes and opinions can change over time” (second bullet
of Principal (H)) is not applicable in this case. The various members of the Turra
family, including those that now have different surnames through marriage,
continue to be extremely highly respected within our Trafalgar community.
The Turra family is in its 95th year of being associated with the Trafalgar and district
area, with Giuseppe (Joseph) Turra (Jim, Frank and Dom’s father) arriving in
Australia in 1926 and moving directly to Moe (his wife, Emilia, joining him some
time later from Italy). They then moved to Trafalgar South in 1936, where they
and there 12 children resided. Of those 12 children, seven still live in Trafalgar plus
many of their children and grandchildren.
3
Of those seven children still living in Trafalgar, twins Jim and Frank were born in
1940, grew up, farmed and have now retired in Trafalgar. They are therefore in
their 81st year of continuous association with Trafalgar
Dominic was born in 1943, and similar to his twin brothers, was born, grew up,
farmed and retired in Trafalgar, thus, he is in his 78th year of continuous living in
Trafalgar
The three brothers bought the farm that is now the major part of Trafalgar
Recreation Precinct 51 years ago, in 1969, and farmed it continuously until they
sold it to council in 2006
The Turra family, over at least three generations, has had, and continues to have,
a strong involvement in local and broader community activities. Broader
community activities are included to show that the Turra family generally, is one
that contributes to its local community, whether that be geographical or work-
related. Without naming individual members, the known community and relevant
work-related involvement includes:
• Trafalgar and District Probus Club Members - members for 10 Years and still
current;
• St John’s Catholic Church Trafalgar involvement and supported for many
decades;
• Thorpdale Young Farmers - member in the 1960s;
• Yalungah Tennis members and players;
• Trafalgar Tennis Club members and players;
• Trafalgar Adventurer Club member;
• Trafalgar Netball Club members and players, including one Best and Fairest
winner;
• Trafalgar Junior Football Club members and players;
• Trafalgar Victory Football Club (soccer) members and players;
• Trafalgar Cricket club members and players, one club championship winner;
• Apex Club Trafalgar member and supporter late 1960s-1970s;
• Two Turra sisters formed the Trafalgar Road Runners group- organising a 24
hour marathon run through the streets of Trafalgar and raising $15,000
towards establishing a hair salon inside Andrews House Trafalgar.
• One family member has and is heavily involved in cardiac care:
o Victorian Cardiac Nurses Association/Australian College of Critical Nurses
Collaborative Cardiac Seminar Organising Committee, 2008, 2009, and
2010 for all Cardiac / Critical Care Nurses Australia wide;
o Victorian Cardiac Nurses Association secretary 2008 -2012
One member of the Turra family deserves special mention: Rosemarie (Rosie)
Romano (nee Smaniotto), daughter of Assunta Turra and Antonio Smaniotto, and
granddaughter of Giuseppe and Emilia Turra deserves special mention. Following
is a very brief synopsis of Rosie’s educational and community activities over many
years:
• 27 years of service to Special Education in Gippsland and Victoria Principal-
2003 -2014 at Baringa Special School Moe
• Memberships:
o Gippsland Association of Specialist Principals (GASP- Gippsland)
o Principals Association of Specialist Schools (PASS- Victoria)
4o Victorian Primary Principals Association (VPPA)
o Students at Risk -Coordinating group (Dept of Education-Gippsland
Region)
• In 2008 Rosie was a recipient of the Department of Education and Early
Childhood’s High Performing Principal’s Award;
• Also in 2008, she was named the Primary Principal of the Year at the Herald
Sun Teacher of the Year awards;
• In 2012 Rosie was awarded the Outstanding School Leadership Award at the
Gippsland Region Education Excellence Award;
• In retirement, Rosie volunteers her time at her grandson’s school (St
Joseph’s School Trafalgar) teaching a weekly cooking program to students on
a rotational basis. With the students she developed a Children’s Cookbook
featuring their favourite recipes and photos of them cooking, which was sold
as a fundraiser for the school;
• With a group of friends, Rosie also initiated the Mirboo North Italian Festa.
The first Festa in 2016 attracted about 5000 visitors to the small rural town
of Mirboo North. In 2019, approximately 20,000 people attended form
across the state. Run entirely by a committee of 10-12 women - all are
volunteers led by Rosie - the event provides an opportunity for local
community groups and businesses to work together, provide services and
make the most of the huge numbers of people in the area over the second
weekend in February. The event positively impacts the entire Gippsland
community with visitors from overseas, around the state and interstate, as
well as all the local regions and metropolitan Melbourne coming to stay, eat,
drink and spend money in the area, as well as enjoy a day of Italian culture,
music, food and dancing
• In 2019, the St Paul’s Club (of which Rosie is the secretary and who auspice
the Festa) was bestowed The Meritorious Service to the Community Award –
a Government of Victoria Award for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs;
• In 2009 and 2010 Rosie was included in the “Who’s Who of Australian
Women” published by Crown Content Pty Ltd. This publication highlights
over 6000 “influential female leaders” in Australia.
As mentioned in attachments 3 and 4, the Turra families were very keen for the
land to be used for recreational activities by current and future generations of
Trafalgar and surrounding people. Indeed, I am informed by Jim Turra that the
whole extended family, not just the three brothers, is extremely pleased that the
land is now owned by council for use by the broader Trafalgar community.
The naming of the pavilion in honour of the Turra family, therefore, not only
honours the three brothers, but in reality, honours the whole family which has ties
within Trafalgar from 1936, and within the broader area since 1926;
3.4 Reason for the proposal (why the current name is not considered appropriate or any
other relevant information)
The current name, Trafalgar multi-use pavilion, is a generic description, and does not
recognise:
• the input of the Turra family that made the development of not only the Trafalgar
Recreation Precinct move from a concept to reality; and
5• the extended family’s strong and ongoing involvement within the Trafalgar
community over many decades.
It is also important, from a historical perspective, if for no other reason, that the
contribution by the Turra family in relation to the recreation precinct in particular is
recognised in perpetuity. History tends to be either forgotten or altered; the latter having
already occurred on at least two occasions in the short history since the concept of the
Trafalgar Recreation Precinct began in 2004.
Additionally, many hundreds of young sportspeople, sports administrators and
supporters will immediately benefit from the actions of the Turra brothers to ensure that
the Trafalgar community has appropriate recreational facilities. This figure will grow
exponentially into the tens of thousands as the years go by.
3.5 Contact details of the proposer(s)
My contact details are at the bottom of this proposal.
3.6 Information on public consultation that has occurred and/or support and non-
support that has been gathered from community members or groups
In my earlier email of 1 August 2019 to council (See Attachment 5), I advised that the
main users of the precinct – Trafalgar Football & Netball Club, Trafalgar Cricket Club,
Trafalgar Victory Football Club – agreed in principle to my recommendation that a portion
of it or a significant building within be named after Dominic and Rosemary Turra (that
should have read, Frank, Jim and Dominic Turra) for their community-mindedness in
making their land available to the Trafalgar community which has resulted in the
potential for the enormous expansion of the recreation precinct.
I made subsequent contact with the three clubs as well as Trafalgar Boxing Gym in late
December 2020, providing each of them with a copy of this proposal in an earlier draft
form. All four clubs are in support of this proposal that the new pavilion be named Turra
Pavilion (See Attachments 6, 7, 8 and 9). These clubs represent many hundreds of
Trafalgar’s residents through their players, administrators and supporters.
3.7 Statement saying that the proposed name conforms to the relevant principles
and requirements in the naming rules
My proposal conforms with each of the applicable Principles:
Yes No Not
applicable
If proposing a new name or to change a name, does the proposal conform to the
principles in Section 2?
Principle (A) Recognising the public ¡ ¡ ü
interest
Principle (B) Ensuring public safety ¡ ¡ ü
Principle (C) Linking the name to the ü ¡ ¡
place
Principle (D) Ensuring names are not ü ¡ ¡
duplicated
Principle (E) Names must not be ü ¡ ¡
discriminatory
6Principle (F) Recognition and use of ¡ ¡ ü
Aboriginal languages in naming
Principle (G) Dual names ü ¡ ¡
Principle (H) Using commemorative ü ¡ ¡
names
Principle (I) Using commercial and ¡ ¡ ü
business names
Principle (J) Language ü ¡ ¡
Principle (K) Directional names to be ü ¡ ¡
avoided
Principle (L) Assigning extent to a road, ü ¡ ¡
feature or locality
4. Naming rules Principles
This proposal is to seek the naming of the new recreation precinct pavilion after the Turra
family. To support my proposal, I refer particularly to Principles (C) and (H).
4.1 Principle (C) Linking the name to place
The first paragraph of Principle C (Linking the name to place) states:
Place names should be relevant to the local area with preference given to unofficial names
used by the local community. If named after a person (refer to Principle H Using
commemorative names), that person should be or have been held in strong regard by the
community.
As stated above, without the Turra pro-active involvement in the sale of its property to
council, the current recreation precinct would not exist. In addition, the extended Turra
family is well-respected within, and are long-term members of, Trafalgar’s community.
4.2 Principle (H) Using commemorative names
Principle H is re-produced below. See, in particular: the first bullet which sets out the
period of association with the area; and the last paragraph, which refers to exceptional
circumstances:
• Naming often commemorates an event, person or place. Examples include
recognising Aboriginal people or cultural events, or following a theme such as
Australian war contributions (refer to Section 2.3 Anzac commemorative naming
project). When considering a commemorative name, the following points must be
considered.
• If named after a person, that person should be or have been held in strong regard
by the community, with preference given to unofficial names used by the local
community.
When deciding on the assignment of a commemorative name, naming authorities
should consider the person’s achievements, relevant history and association to the
area, and the significance of the family/person to the area/land. For example, a
family that has been associated with an area for at least 50 years.
• The names of people who are still alive must be avoided because community
attitudes and opinions can change over time.
7• A commemorative name applied to a locality or road should use only the surname
of a person, not first or given names.
• A commemorative name applied to a feature can use the first name and surname
of a person; although, it is preferred that only the surname be used.
• The initials of a given name are not to be used in any instance.
Note: if a name is duplicated you may consider using a first or middle name or a
locally used name; however, the naming authority should contact the OGN
[Office of Geographic Names] for further advice.
• This approach ensures that emergency and postal services are not delayed because
of inconsistent application of a name. For example, Smith Park is a clearer name
than John Edward Smith Park because it’s possible John Park, Edward Park, John
Smith Park, J. E. Smith Park or J. E. S. Park might be used by the public.
• Naming authorities should make every effort to gain consent from family members
of the person being commemorated. Supporting evidence that shows a naming
authority’s attempts to consult family members should be provided to OGN when
lodging the proposal.
• Supporting evidence is required, including copies of letters sent to the family, copies
of newspaper advertisements calling for consent or contact details of the family
and any response from the family. When a naming authority is unable to locate
existing family members, the naming authority may use the newspaper notice
advertising the proposed name to also call for consent from the family and/or
request family contact details from the community. Refer to Section 7.2.4 The
consultation process, Notices. Any response from the family should be included in
the proposal sent to the Registrar.
• If a naming authority has exhausted avenues to contact families and the proposal
is the name of a person who passed away at least 70 years ago, the Registrar will
consider the naming proposal.
• In exceptional circumstances, [my emphasis] if the naming authority wishes to
name a road, feature or locality after a living person, it must apply in writing to the
Registrar to seek an exemption from this principle. Consent from the person should
be sought prior to any exemption request being submitted to OGN. The naming
authority must outline the reasons for proposing a living person’s name, including
but not limited to evidence about the person’s achievements, relevant history and
association to the area. This exemption request must be sought prior to
commencing any public consultation or reaching a decision on the final naming
proposal.
I rely on the last paragraph of Principle (H) of which this proposal is based. Repeating my
comments from above, the exceptional circumstances are detailed in paragraph 3.3.3
above.
5. Precedents
There are several instances where streets and other features have been named after living
people, a number of which are not associated with the particular area (I note Principle (H) to
the guidelines mention ‘living persons’. It is therefore, in my opinion, not limited to Australian
people).
The following four examples are a very small list of living persons who have recently had
names or facilities named after them:
• Peter Siddle Oval in Morwell,
8• A development in a Melbourne suburb named after several living Australian and
international cricketers https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/tendulkar-
drive-kohli-crescent-streets-named-after-cricketers-in-melbourne;
• Louise Sauvage OAM, a Queensland para-Olympian, has a street named after her in a
Melbourne suburb; and
• more recently, Danihers Way was named after former AFL footballer and Multiple
Neurone Disease sufferer, Neale Daniher https://www.afl.com.au/news/541672/-
daniher-s-way-afl-great-honoured-with-walkway-to-mcg
6. Recommendation
With the tender for the new Trafalgar Recreation Precinct multi-use pavilion now announced,
and construction commenced for completion during 2021, I recommend that council:
• reconsider its decision to not name Trafalgar multi-use pavilion after the Turra family
• name the Trafalgar multi-use pavilion as Turra Pavilion; and
• if necessary, apply to the secretary of geographic names under the exceptional
circumstances provision within Principle (H) to Naming rules for places in Victoria to name
the multi-use pavilion as Turra Pavilion.
Mick Bourke OAM
9 Page Court
Trafalgar 3824
E: mjbourke@dcsi.net.au
Mob: 0409 512 672
23 February 2021
9Attachment 1
Baw Baw Shire Council email 3 October 2019
10Attachment 2
M Bourke email to BBSC 12 December 2019
11Attachment 3
Traf News August 2020
12Attachment 4
Traf News August 2020 (Word version)
History of recreation precinct
The Trafalgar Recreation Reserve received a grant of $6000 in 2004 from (then) Department of
Sustainability and environment to develop a plan for the reserve.
The Trafalgar Community Development Association (TCDA) , through Mick Bourke OAM as its
president, approached Peter Williams, president of Trafalgar Recreation Reserve committee, to see
whether the recreation reserve would consider taking a far-reaching approach to this planning
process. This was agreed to.
Subsequently, a steering committee representing various community groups was established, and it
went to work undertaking a considerable amount of consultation with the Trafalgar community, and
with local and state government agencies. Indeed, there were endless meetings and discussions
with numerous people and organisations.
The steering committee involved in the development of the precinct strategic plan and purchase of
the land were: Mick Bourke OAM (chairman); Peter Williams (Trafalgar Recreation Reserve); Larry
Culter (Trafalgar Equestrian Park); Joanne Porter (Trafalgar Public Hall); Kathy West, (Yarragon
Basketball Club). Others involved for a short period in 2004 were Andy Ross (Trafalgar Victory
Football Club) and Sally Sewell (Hockey). Later on, Fiona Beckley (TCDA), Lisa Strong (Trafalgar
Polocross), Neil Carolyn (Trafalgar Bowls), Luana Brock (tennis and netball), Paul Christian (soccer)
and local resident Ian Murphy became involved after the plan had been accepted by council.
Council representatives on the steering committee at various times were Cr David Balfour, Kerry
Irwin, Cr John Durrant and Cr Bill Harrington.
After significant community consultation during 2004, the steering committee prepared a 10-year
strategic plan for a recreation precinct, which was released in February 2005. This plan was put to
Baw Baw Shire Council in April 2005, with a recommendation that a more detailed plan occur.
Land adjacent to the current recreation reserve coincidentally (and naturally, very conveniently)
became available in 2006. The steering committee made representation to Council in September
2006 for the latter to buy the land. Council needed a great deal of persuasive argument before it
decided to purchase the land in the latter part of 2006. Once purchased, council then needed a
great deal of persuasive argument by the steering committee to not immediately sell off half of that
land to recoup some of the purchase cost .
As an aside, it should be noted that had there been no community recreation plan, the Trafalgar
community would have been in no position to put a proposition to Council to purchase the land.
The TCDA commenced community strategic plans in 2003, at which it prepared its first plan for the
period 2004-07, which identified, amongst other things, the need for future planning of Trafalgar’s
recreational needs: Outcome 5-to improve access to, and the standard of, sport and recreational
facilities.
Following the recreation precinct strategic plan, a number of other reports were undertaken,
including the Baw Baw Shire Recreation Strategy, the 2030 Trafalgar Land Use Strategy, the Baw Baw
13Equestrian Strategy. Each of these referenced the proposed recreation precinct in one way or
another. A 2014 Trafalgar Recreation Precinct Masterplan was dedicated to the precinct.
Council was approached in March 2007 by Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) to see whether it was
feasible for a greyhound facility to be built in Trafalgar. Council, primarily through its CEO Glenn
Patterson, and the recreation precinct steering committee (which had, by this time, expanded to
include Kerry Irwin and David Balfour from Council) worked together to build a case supporting such
a facility on the proposed recreation precinct. Unfortunately, the GRV pulled out at the last
moment, which had the effect of delaying the development of the Masterplan by 14 months or so.
It was very difficult for the community members of the steering committee during that period as the
discussions with GRV were confidential, and therefore, could not be passed onto the broader
community.
With the adoption of the Masterplan by the steering committee in December 2008 and its decision
to forward the Masterplan to Council for its subsequent adoption, the steering committee decided,
in early 2009, that it was appropriate for it to hand over responsibility of the precinct’s
implementation and management to a committee of management consisting of representatives of
the precinct’s user groups and the community. This occurred in April 2009.
Particular mention should be made of the Turra brothers - Jim, Frank and Dom - who had decided to
sell their family farm next to Trafalgar Recreation Reserve at the same time that the Trafalgar
community was negotiating with council to adopt a masterplan for the reserve. (As part of that
masterplan, the reserve was to be re-named Trafalgar Recreation Precinct). The Turra family had
opportunities to sell the land at a higher price than that eventually offered by council, but declined
such offers as it wanted to see the land used by the community. They did this without knowing
whether or not council would eventually purchase the land.
The development of the recreation precinct could not, and would not, have occurred without the
initiative and commitment of those people who were involved in the development of the strategic
plan and the purchase of the adjoining land, in particular Mick Bourke OAM and Peter Williams, who
were supported by Larry Cutler , Kathy West and Jo Porter. Their work was subsequently supported
by other community members.
14Attachment 5
M Bourke email 1 August 2019
15Attachment 6
Letter of support
Trafalgar Football Netball Club
16Attachment 7
Letter of support
Trafalgar Cricket Club
17Attachment 8
Letter of support
Trafalgar Boxing Gym
18Attachment 9
Letter of support
Trafalgar Victory Football Club
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