Primary school students across Ballarat are being asked to come up with a new name for Willow Island at Lake Wendouree.
Located off the Windmill Drive foreshore, Willow Island was constructed primarily as an educational venue for schools with relevance to a range of studies including history, geology, biology and visual art.
City of Ballarat Mayor Craig Fletcher said Council hoped that the naming competition would give the city’s young people some ownership over the precinct and provide a fun way for them to learn more about the important Ballarat landmark.
“The name ‘Willow Island’ has been used in an unofficial capacity since the completion of its construction in 2008 but we see an opportunity for a more considered and appropriate name to be developed by the students”.
“There’s so much history relevant to the Lake Wendouree precinct so we’re really hoping that the schools will all get on board, learn about the area and come up with a great new name for this unique little piece of land while they’re at it”.
Entries close on October 14th. All entrants will present to a panel from the Lake Wendouree Advisory Committee. The panel will select a shortlist of entrants who will then present to the Mayor and Councillors who will choose the winning entry.
The competition will culminate with a sausage sizzle for all participants at Willow Island on Novemeber 15th where the winner will be announced and a plaque unveiled. All participants in the competition will receive a certificate at the event.
Resource kits have been e-mailed to all Ballarat primary schools this week. Any school that missed out is asked to contact the Strategic Communications Unit at the City of Ballarat on 5320 5745.
For more information, visit Council’s website www.ballarat.vic.gov.au